Numerical Investigation on Aerodynamic Performance of Helical Savonius Rotor Inspired by Natural Shapes

Abstract

There have been extensive studies conducted on Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT) at relatively moderate to high wind speed regions. However, such detailed investigations for Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT), specifically for low wind speed terrains are amply reported. This motivates us to conduct research to explore possibilities in improving performance of VAWT in low wind speed terrains, which is attempted in the present work. This is required due to the fact that most of regions do not have sufficient extractable wind energy due to low speeds. VAWTs can perform at such low wind speed, but are less efficient. Improving efficiency of VAWT will solve the purpose. Hence, the present study is aimed at finding the performance characteristics of VAWT for low Wind speed configurations. Various parameters affecting power generation are investigated. Numerical analyses on various configurations are conducted to study the effects of twist angle, free stream velocity, number of blades. Computational results obtained have been in good agreement with the established results for semi-circular Savonius rotor profile. The results suggest that for low wind speed terrains, there is a need to explore the combination of lift and drag type of profiles, which could be used for the utilization of available wind power. Hence, naturally inspired shapes (profiles) were investigated for the possible solution of combined lift and drag type wind turbines at low speeds. The blade shape for such combined lift and drag type wind turbine were deduced from the available literature. It is well established that the naturally inspired shapes as noted in sea conch follow golden ratio in its contours. The present study provides an insight on the characteristic curves of VAWT for low wind speed terrains, effects of various geometric and flow parameters suitable for low wind speed terrains.