Study of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Using Fluid Particle Trajectory

Abstract

Because of growing global concern for the increasing energy demand and the resulting environmental impact of fossil fuel based energy sources, renewable and environmental friendly energy sources are critically sought. Wind turbines are generally conceived as the key renewable energy sources, but more innovative solutions should augment the classical design and control of wind turbines in order to improve the energy conversion efficiency. For areas outside the integrated grid system and harsh operation conditions in particular vertical axis wind turbines show promising results. This turbine design is previously considered less efficient, and thus the performance has not been sufficiently documented. This paper attempts to contribute in better understanding of the wind flow around the rotor, and the way the rotor components react to the resulting pressure. The turbine is first modeled in 3D CAD system and simulated in a flow simulator in a virtual wind tunnel. Then the iso-lines of velocity and pressure distribution are plotted at selected sections of the turbine plane and the profiles are studied to characterize the fluctuations of the dynamic pressure and identify the vulnerable zone of the turbine blades and the structure.