An Investigation into Design Optimization of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

By

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background1

Theoretical framework1

Problem Statement2

Specific Objectives2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATIRE REVIEW3

Vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)3

Effects of roughness4

Geometry Creation5

CHAPTER 3: COMPUTATIONAL METHODS6

Introduction6

Pre-processing7

REFERENCES8

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background

Non-renewable resources of energy are limited in the world and are depleting at a faster rate due to rapidly growing population. These energy resources are exhaustible and are the main cause of pollution, which is eventually leading to another major problem of global warming. Considering all these problems, it has now become a dire need to find another substitute of energy which is mainly pollution free and available in abundance. Among all the available renewable energy resources, wind energy has many advantages like it is available in abundance, does not contribute to global warming, requires less installation and maintenance cost for power generation. The top leading countries in the field of wind energy production are USA, China, Spain and Denmark.

Theoretical framework

This study will look into the design optimization of vertical axis wind turbine. For many years wind energy has been used for many small purposes like for water pumping with the capacity of 10 - 250 kW and for producing mechanical power to operate some small devices, but nowadays it is also being used to produce electricity with the application of wind turbines. Wind turbine consists of a rotor shaft and a generator mounted in a nacelle. Based on axis of rotation, wind turbines are divided into two types: Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) and vertical axis wind turbines (vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). In case of horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT), this arrangement is mounted at the top of a tower with the rotor blades facing the wind directly. Whereas in case of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT), this arrangement is mounted vertically hence provides better stability to rotor blades and are easily accessible for maintenance.

Problem Statement

The present study explores a range of factors influencing the design optimization of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). The effect of tip speed ratio has been examined which is considered to be a prominent factor in deciding Cp of a wind turbine. In this regard, is optimized for the maximum efficiency of the turbine. Effect of rotor diameter on Cp has also been a part of this study. Furthermore, the blade and tower wakes at low and high Reynolds numbers and their effects on Cp has also been the area of concern in the present study. In addition, present study elucidates the effect of solidity on Cp of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT).

Specific Objectives

Review of literature suggested the following specific objectives to accomplish in the present study:

To investigate the influence of rotor diameter on design optimization of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)

To study the variation of performance coefficient of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)

To investigate the aerodynamics of a moving airfoil of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) in two dimensional unsteady flows

CHAPTER 2: LITERATIRE REVIEW

Vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)

The research on vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) aerodynamics began with ...