Comparison of Experimental and Numerically Predicted Three-Dimensional Wake Behavior of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Saverin ◽  
Giacomo Persico ◽  
David Marten ◽  
David Holst ◽  
George Pechlivanoglou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Tip Vortex ◽  
Design And Optimization ◽  
Aerodynamic Model ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

The evolution of the wake of a wind turbine contributes significantly to its operation and performance, as well as to those of machines installed in the vicinity. The inherent unsteady and three-dimensional (3D) aerodynamics of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) have hitherto limited the research on wake evolution. In this paper, the wakes of both a troposkien and a H-type VAWT rotor are investigated by comparing experiments and calculations. Experiments were carried out in the large-scale wind tunnel of the Politecnico di Milano, where unsteady velocity measurements in the wake were performed by means of hot wire anemometry. The geometry of the rotors was reconstructed in the open-source wind-turbine software QBlade, developed at the TU Berlin. The aerodynamic model makes use of a lifting line free-vortex wake (LLFVW) formulation, including an adapted Beddoes-Leishman unsteady aerodynamic model; airfoil polars are introduced to assign sectional lift and drag coefficients. A wake sensitivity analysis was carried out to maximize the reliability of wake predictions. The calculations are shown to reproduce several wake features observed in the experiments, including blade-tip vortex, dominant and minor vortical structures, and periodic unsteadiness caused by sectional dynamic stall. The experimental assessment of the simulations illustrates that the LLFVW model is capable of predicting the unsteady wake development with very limited computational cost, thus making the model ideal for the design and optimization of VAWTs.

Comparison of Experimental and Numerically Predicted Three-Dimensional Wake Behaviour of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Saverin ◽  
David Marten ◽  
David Holst ◽  
George Pechlivanoglou ◽  
Christian Oliver Paschereit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Tip Vortex ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine ◽  
Design And Optimization ◽  
Aerodynamic Model ◽  
Lift And Drag

The evolution of the wake of a wind turbine contributes significantly to its operation and performance, as well as to those of machines installed in the vicinity. The inherent unsteady and three-dimensional aerodynamics of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) have hitherto limited the research on wake evolution. In this paper the wakes of both a troposkien and a H-type VAWT rotor are investigated by comparing experiments and calculations. Experiments were carried out in the large-scale wind tunnel of the Politecnico di Milano, where unsteady velocity measurements in the wake were performed by means of hot wire anemometry. The geometry of the rotors was reconstructed in the open-source wind-turbine software QBlade, developed at the TU Berlin. The aerodynamic model makes use of a lifting line free-vortex wake (LLFVW) formulation, including an adapted Beddoes-Leishman unsteady aerodynamic model; airfoil polars are introduced to assign sectional lift and drag coefficients. A wake sensitivity analysis was carried out to maximize the reliability of wake predictions. The calculations are shown to reproduce several wake features observed in the experiments, including blade-tip vortex, dominant and submissive vortical structures, and periodic unsteadiness caused by sectional dynamic stall. The experimental assessment of the simulations illustrates that the LLFVW model is capable of predicting the unsteady wake development with very limited computational cost, thus making the model ideal for the design and optimization of VAWTs.

Time-Resolved Experimental Characterization of the Wakes Shed by H-Shaped and Troposkien Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giacomo Persico ◽  
Vincenzo Dossena ◽  
Berardo Paradiso ◽  
Lorenzo Battisti ◽  
Alessandra Brighenti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Speed Ratio ◽  
Local Dynamic ◽  
Performance Measurements ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines ◽  
Blade Section

In this paper, the aerodynamics of two vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are discussed, on the basis of a wide set of experiments performed at Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy. A H-shaped and a Troposkien Darrieus turbine for microgeneration, featuring the same swept area and blade section, are tested at full-scale. Performance measurements show that the Troposkien rotor outperforms the H-shaped turbine, thanks to the larger midspan section of the Troposkien rotor and to the nonaerodynamic struts of the H-shaped rotor. These features are consistent with the character of the wakes shed by the turbines, measured by means of hot wire anemometry on several surfaces downstream of the models. The H-shape and Troposkien turbine wakes exhibit relevant differences in the three-dimensional morphology and unsteady evolution. In particular, large-scale vortices dominate the tip region of the wake shed by the H-shape turbine; these vortices pulsate significantly during the period, due to the periodic fluctuation of the blade aerodynamic loading. Conversely, the highly tapered shape of the Troposkien rotor not only prevents the onset of tip vortices, but also induces a dramatic spanwise reduction of tip speed ratio (TSR), promoting the onset of local dynamic stall marked by high periodic and turbulent unsteadiness in the tip region of the wake. The way in which these mechanisms affect the wake evolution and mixing process for the two classes of turbines is investigated for different tip speed ratios, highlighting some relevant implications in the framework of wind energy exploitation.

Aerodynamic Measurements on a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine in a Large Scale Wind Tunnel

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Battisti ◽  
L. Zanne ◽  
S. Dell’Anna ◽  
V. Dossena ◽  
B. Paradiso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine ◽  
Aerodynamic Optimization ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

This paper presents the first results of a wide experimental investigation on the aerodynamics of a vertical axis wind turbine. Vertical axis wind turbines have recently received particular attention, as interesting alternative for small and micro generation applications. However, the complex fluid dynamic mechanisms occurring in these machines make the aerodynamic optimization of the rotors still an open issue and detailed experimental analyses are now highly recommended to convert improved flow field comprehensions into novel design techniques. The experiments were performed in the large-scale wind tunnel of the Politecnico di Milano (Italy), where real-scale wind turbines for micro generation can be tested in full similarity conditions. Open and closed wind tunnel configurations are considered in such a way to quantify the influence of model blockage for several operational conditions. Integral torque and thrust measurements, as well as detailed aerodynamic measurements were applied to characterize the 3D flow field downstream of the turbine. The local unsteady flow field and the streamwise turbulent component, both resolved in phase with the rotor position, were derived by hot wire measurements. The paper critically analyses the models and the correlations usually applied to correct the wind tunnel blockage effects. Results evidence that the presently available theoretical correction models does not provide accurate estimates of the blockage effect in the case of vertical axis wind turbines. The tip aerodynamic phenomena, in particular, seem to play a key role for the prediction of the turbine performance; large-scale unsteadiness is observed in that region and a simple flow model is used to explain the different flow features with respect to horizontal axis wind turbines.

The Influence of Detailed Blade Design on the Aerodynamic Performance of Straight-Bladed Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

1996 ◽  
Vol 210 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
F N Coton ◽  
R A McD Galbraith ◽  
D Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Bending Moment ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Aerodynamic Performance ◽  
Speed Ratio ◽  
Blade Design ◽  
Aerodynamic Model ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines ◽  
Limited Scope

The recent development of an unsteady, three-dimensional aerodynamic model has provided the opportunity to determine the influence of detailed blade geometry on the performance of straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbines. In particular, the present paper examines the effect of blade pitch, twist, taper and aerofoil section by comparison with a simplistic baseline configuration. The study concentrates on the low tip-speed ratio regime where the blade aerodynamics are inherently unsteady and the most severe loadings are experienced. In general, the effects of pitch and twist are similar, with both presenting only limited scope for enhanced design. Moderate taper is shown to improve the overall aerodynamic performance while having the structural benefit of reducing the bending moment at the cross-arm. The potential of a blade with varying cross-section to produce passive stall regulation is also demonstrated. Finally, the influence of unsteady blade stall is considered in more detail for each of the configurations.

scholarly journals Three-Dimensional CFD Simulation and Experimental Assessment of the Performance of a H-Shape Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine at Design and Off-Design Conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicoletta Franchina ◽  
Otman Kouaissah ◽  
Giacomo Persico ◽  
Marco Savini
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Speed Ratio ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine ◽  
Numerical Predictions

The paper presents the results of a computational study on the aerodynamics and the performance of a small-scale Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) for distributed micro-generation. The complexity of VAWT aerodynamics, which are inherently unsteady and three-dimensional, makes high-fidelity flow models extremely demanding in terms of computational cost, limiting the analysis to mainly 2D or 2.5D Computational Fluid-Dynamics (CFD) approaches. This paper discusses how a proper setting of the computational model opens the way for carrying out fully 3D unsteady CFD simulations of a VAWT. Key aspects of the flow model and of the numerical solution are discussed, in view of limiting the computational cost while maintaining the reliability of the predictions. A set of operating conditions is considered, in terms of tip-speed-ratio (TSR), covering both peak efficiency condition as well as off-design operation. The fidelity of the numerical predictions is assessed via a systematic comparison with the experimental benchmark data available for this turbine, consisting of both performance and wake measurements carried out in the large-scale wind tunnel of the Politecnico di Milano. The analysis of the flow field on the equatorial plane allows highlighting its time-dependent evolution, with the aim of identifying both the periodic flow structures and the onset of dynamic stall. The full three-dimensional character of the computations allows investigating the aerodynamics of the struts and the evolution of the trailing vorticity at the tip of the blades, eventually resulting in periodic large-scale vortices.

Aerodynamic Measurements on a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine in a Large Scale Wind Tunnel

2011 ◽  
Vol 133 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Battisti ◽  
L. Zanne ◽  
S. Dell’Anna ◽  
V. Dossena ◽  
G. Persico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine ◽  
Aerodynamic Optimization ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

This paper presents the first results of a wide experimental investigation on the aerodynamics of a vertical axis wind turbine. Vertical axis wind turbines have recently received particular attention, as interesting alternative for small and micro generation applications. However, the complex fluid dynamic mechanisms occurring in these machines make the aerodynamic optimization of the rotors still an open issue and detailed experimental analyses are now highly recommended to convert improved flow field comprehensions into novel design techniques. The experiments were performed in the large-scale wind tunnel of the Politecnico di Milano (Italy), where real-scale wind turbines for micro generation can be tested in full similarity conditions. Open and closed wind tunnel configurations are considered in such a way to quantify the influence of model blockage for several operational conditions. Integral torque and thrust measurements, as well as detailed aerodynamic measurements were carried out to characterize the 3D flow field downstream of the turbine. The local unsteady flow field and the streamwise turbulent component, both resolved in phase with the rotor position, were derived by hot wire measurements. The paper critically analyses the models and the correlations usually applied to correct the wind tunnel blockage effects. Results highlight that the presently available theoretical correction models do not provide accurate estimates of the blockage effect in the case of vertical axis wind turbines. The tip aerodynamic phenomena, in particular, seem to play a key role for the prediction of the turbine performance; large-scale unsteadiness is observed in that region and a simple flow model is used here to explain the different flow features with respect to horizontal axis wind turbines.

Vertical axis wind turbine operation in icing conditions: A review study

2021 ◽  
pp. 0309524X2110618
Author(s):  
Syed Abdur Rahman Tahir ◽  
Muhammad Shakeel Virk
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines ◽  
Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines ◽  
Promising Solution ◽  
Review Study ◽  
Accretion Physics

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) can be a promising solution for electricity production in remote ice prone territories of high north, where good wind resources are available, but icing is a challenge that can affect its optimum operation. A lot of research has been made to study the icing effects on the conventional horizontal axis wind turbines, but the literature about vertical axis wind turbines operating in icing conditions is still scarce, despite the importance of this topic. This paper presents a review study about existing knowledge of VAWT operation in icing condition. Focus has been made in better understanding of ice accretion physics along VAWT blades and methods to detect and mitigate icing effects.

scholarly journals Aerodynamic improvement of Darrieus wind turbine

2021 ◽  
Vol 897 (1) ◽  
pp. 012001
Author(s):  
Oleg Goman ◽  
Andrii Dreus ◽  
Anton Rozhkevych ◽  
Krystyna Heti
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Structural Reliability ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Vertical Wind ◽  
Integral Approach ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine ◽  
Calculation Algorithm ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

Abstract Until recently, vertical-axis wind turbines are less extensively developed in wind energetics. At the same time, there are a number of advantages in turbines of such type like their independence from the change of wind direction, lower levels of aerodynamic and infrasound noises, higher structural reliability (compared to horizontal engines), etc. With these advantages, vertical-axis wind turbines demonstrate promising capacities. Inter alia, the productiveness of such turbines can be refined through the aerodynamic improvement of the structure and comprehensive optimization of the rotor geometry. The main purpose of the presented paper is to aerodynamically improve vertical wind turbine in order to increase the efficiency of wind energy conversion into electricity. Within the framework of the classical theory of impulses, this article presents a study of the effect of variation in Reynolds number on the general energy characteristics of a vertical-axis wind turbine with two blades. The integral approach makes it possible to use a single-disk impulse model to determine the main specific indicators of the system. The power factor was calculated based on the obtained value of the shaft torque factor, which in turn was determined by numerically integrating the total torque generated by the wind turbine. To calculate the test problem, we used the classic NACA airfoils: 0012, 0015, 0018 and 0021. The proposed calculation algorithm makes it possible not to indicate the Reynolds number and corresponding aerodynamic coefficients at the beginning of the calculation, but to recalculate it depending on the relative speed, position of the airfoil and the linear speed of the airfoil around the circumference. Proposed modern design techniques can be helpful for optimization of vertical wind turbines.

Investigation of vertical axis wind turbine airfoil performance in rain

2017 ◽  
Vol 232 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenlong Wu ◽  
Yihua Cao
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Meteorological Condition ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines ◽  
Turbine Performance ◽  
Practical Design ◽  
Wind Turbine Airfoil ◽  
Naca 0015

Rainfall is a common meteorological condition that wind turbines may encounter and by which their performance may be affected. This paper comprehensively investigates the effects of rainfall on a NACA 0015 airfoil which is commonly used in vertical axis wind turbines. A CFD-based Eulerian–Lagrangian multiphase approach is proposed to study the static, rotating, and oscillating performances of the NACA 0015 airfoil in rainy conditions. It is found that for the different airfoil movements, the airfoil performance can seriously be deteriorated in the rain condition. Rain also causes premature boundary layer separations and more severe flow recirculations than in the dry condition. These findings seem to be the first open reports on rain effects on wind turbine performance and should be of some significance to practical design.

Wake Analysis of a Finite Width Gurney Flap

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Holst ◽  
A. B. Bach ◽  
C. N. Nayeri ◽  
C. O. Paschereit ◽  
G. Pechlivanoglou
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Tip Vortex ◽  
Finite Width ◽  
Low Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Gurney Flaps ◽  
Gurney Flap ◽  
Pitch System

The results of stereo Particle-Image-Velocimetry measurements are presented in this paper to gain further insight into the wake of a finite width Gurney flap. It is attached to an FX 63-137 airfoil which is known for a very good performance at low Reynolds numbers and is therefore used for small wind turbines and is most appropriate for tests in the low speed wind tunnel presented in this study. The Gurney flaps are a promising concept for load control on wind turbines but can have adverse side effects, e.g. shedding of additional vortices. The investigation focuses on frequencies and velocity distributions in the wake as well as on the structure of the induced tip vortices. Phase averaged velocity fields are derived of a Proper-Orthogonal-Decomposition based on the stereo PIV measurements. Additional hot-wire measurements were conducted to analyze the fluctuations downstream of the finite width Gurney flaps. Experiments indicate a general tip vortex structure that is independent from flap length but altered by the periodic shedding downstream of the flap. The influence of Gurney flaps on a small wind turbine is investigated by simulating a small 40 kW turbine in Q-Blade. They can serve as power control without the need of an active pitch system and the starting performance is additionally improved. The application of Gurney flaps imply tonal frequencies in the wake of the blade. Simulation results are used to estimate the resulting frequencies. However, the solution of Gurney flaps is a good candidate for large scale wind turbine implementation as well. A FAST simulation of the NREL 5MW turbine is used to generate realistic time series of the lift. The estimations of control capabilities predict a reduction in the standard deviation of the lift of up to 65%. Therefore finite width Gurney flaps are promising to extend the lifetime of future wind turbines.

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