CFD Prediction for Wind Power Generation by a Small Vertical Axis Wind Turbine: A Case Study for a University Campus

Abstract

The accuracy of wind power generation predicted by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations combined with meteorological wind data was validated based on comparisons with directly measured data for a small vertical axis wind turbine system installed on a university campus. The CFD simulations were performed in accordance with established guidelines and frameworks for the prediction of urban wind environments. At the rooftop location, where small wind turbines are typically installed, the deviations in wind velocity from the measurements are quite large. However, in the present study, the prediction accuracy for the wind turbine site, which was 4 m above the ground, was acceptable. The total power generation estimated using the assumed power curve based on the rated output of the turbine was 56% larger than that directly measured by the power generator. However, using the power curves obtained from the measurements, the total power generation could be predicted with a high degree of accuracy and with an error of approximately 3%. It is suggested that not only the accuracy of the wind velocity but also that of the power curve is very important because they are directly related to that of the predicted power generation.