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Wind and Structures Volume 17, Number 6, December 2013 , pages 647-670 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/was.2013.17.6.647 |
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Computational study of a small scale vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT): comparative performance of various turbulence models |
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Lazaros Aresti, Mustafa Tutar, Yong Chen and Rajnish K. Calay
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| Abstract | ||
| The paper presents a numerical approach to study of fluid flow characteristics and to predict performance of wind turbines. The numerical model is based on Finite-volume method (FVM) discretization of unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier- Stokes (URANS) equations. The movement of turbine blades is modeled using moving mesh technique. The turbulence is modeled using commonly used turbulence models: Renormalization Group (RNG) k-eturbulence model and the standard k-eand k-wturbulence models. The model is validated with the experimental data over a large range of tip-speed to wind ratio (TSR) and blade pitch angles. In order to demonstrate the use of numerical method as a tool for designing wind turbines, two dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) simulations are carried out to study the flow through a small scale Darrieus type H-rotor Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). The flows predictions are used to determine the performance of the turbine. The turbine consists of 3- symmetrical NACA0022 blades. A number of simulations are performed for a range of approaching angles and wind speeds. This numerical study highlights the concerns with the self-starting capabilities of the present VAWT turbine. However results also indicate that self-starting capabilities of the turbine can be increased when the mounted angle of attack of the blades is increased. The 2-D simulations using the presented model can successfully be used at preliminary stage of turbine design to compare performance of the turbine for different design and operating parameters, whereas 3-D studies are preferred for the final design. | ||
| Key Words | ||
| wind turbine; turbulence models; vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT); computational fluid dynamics (CFD) | ||
| Address | ||
| Lazaros Aresti and Yong Chen : 1School of Engineering and Technology, University of Hertfordshire, Collage Lane Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB, UK Mustafa Tutar: Mechanical and Manufacturing Department, MGEP, Mondragon Goi Eskola Politeknikoa, Loramendi 4 Apartado 23, 20500, Mondragon, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011,Bilbao, Spain Rajnish K. Calay : Narvik University College, Lodve Langes Gate 2, 8505-Narvik, Norway | ||