The Array Optimization of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Based on a New Asymmetric Wake Model

Abstract

With the increasing demand for wind energy, the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is attracting more and more attention. In order to design the VAWT array for better performance, the VAWT wake model needs to reflect the wake characteristics well. Based on the asymmetric wake characteristic, a new VAWT wake model is proposed in this paper, which is a combination of two semi Gaussian functions with different deviations, and can be called the “double semi Gaussian functions wake model”. The model is simple and has only four parameters (mean, amplitude, left deviation and right deviation). Compared with the traditional Gaussian and Top-hat model, this model can better reflect the asymmetric characteristic of the VAWT wake. In particular, it can describe the behavior of wake merging in the case of counter-rotating twin turbines. Based on this wake model, the velocity field of VAWT array can be reproduced accurately. The goal function is mainly based on the performance of a basic array unit, and it can ensure the rapidity of the optimization process. The optimal arrangements under two different criteria are analyzed. Moreover, the truncation ratio is introduced to ensure that the downstream turbine works at the rated condition, and the optimal arrangements under different truncation ratios are analyzed. In this paper, the proposed wake model provides a good choice for the preliminary design of the VAWT array, and some relevant suggestions on the array arrangement have been put forward.