VAWT versus HAWT: a comparative performance study of 2–6 MW rated capacity turbines

Abstract

Growing quantities of low-cost wind power still require predictable, supportive regulatory environments and appropriate market designs. The challenge of integrating greater amounts of variable wind power into the grid is a growing concern that must be addressed. For offshore wind — still at early stages of the deployment journey — much remains to be accomplished to develop and integrate large-scale systems and to reduce costs. In this study, aerodynamic performance and feasibility of multi-megawatt vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) is compared to existing, similarly rated horizontal axis wind turbines. Two types of three-bladed VAWTs have been designed, one with the Darrieus (H-type) and the other with the Troposkien (Φ-type) rotor configuration, in the 2, 4, and 6 MW rated capacity range based on an optimal parametric study. This comparative performance study shows that VAWTs are not only characterized by superior performance but also exhibit a very simple design that is cost effective from both manufacturing and maintenance perspectives.

An intelligent system for harmonic distortions detection in wind generator power electronic devices

“…Although VAWTs should be placed close to the ground, minor outages in electricity generation have been observed. In general, VAWTs are not only characterized by superior performance, but also exhibit a very simple design that is cost effective from both manufacturing and maintenance perspectives [12].…”

Effect of Blade Angle on Aerodynamic Performance of Archimedes Spiral Wind Turbine

“…Many investigations were performed to study and compare the performance of HAWTs and VAWTs either separately or combined. Paraschivoiu et al, [1] performed an analytical study on Lu et al, [14] invented a theoretical output-prediction-model of spiral wind turbines based on the angular momentum equation. Also, they performed a CFD simulation of a full-scale 0.5 kW-model with 1.5 m-diameter to predict the wind turbine performance.…”

Power coefficient measurements of a novel vertical axis wind turbine

“…There are two main types of wind turbines, depending on the orientation of the main axis of rotation: horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) and vertical axis wind turbine (VAWTs). Although both wind turbines offer competitive efficiencies, HAWTs are considered to be the preferred choice by the wind turbine industry. The VAWTs are normally available in three different types: self‐starting Savonius, H‐Darrieus (having straight or helical blades), and Darrieus troposkien (resembling an egg beater and invented by G. Darrieus in 1931).…”

“…Despite their drawbacks, there has been a recent revival of Darrieus troposkien VAWTs, due to advantages that make them attractive for offshore applications with water depths greater than 40 meters (using floating platforms instead of anchoring the turbine at the bottom of the sea, eg, “The DeepWind Project” in Europe). Advantages included the following: (a) They are able to harvest the wind from any direction and attain a very high speed without a yaw mechanism guiding the blade; (b) the generator and the gearbox of the turbine can be installed at sea level (or ground level for onshore applications) which leads to easier and safer maintenance; (c) since the center of gravity of the turbine is close to the sea level, the system becomes more inherently stable when it is afloat; (d).…”