Posters
Come meet the poster presenters to ask them questions and discuss their work
We would like to invite you to come and see the posters at our upcoming conference. The posters will showcase a diverse range of research topics, and will give delegates an opportunity to engage with the authors and learn more about their work. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or simply curious about the latest developments in your field, we believe that the posters will offer something of interest to everyone. So please join us at the conference and take advantage of this opportunity to learn and engage with your peers in industry and the academic community.
PO460: Uncovering critical flow features driving efficiency in Darrieus vertical-axis wind turbines: toward better blade design
Abolfazl Abdolahifar, PhD Candidate, Advanced Wind Energy Technology Group, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University
Abstract
Darrieus vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) offer advantages to address the existing challenges in the wind energy sector at both onshore and offshore applications. The advantages can be mentioned as omni-directional operation, low cost of blade manufacturing, low cost of maintenance, high power density at the windfarm level, and more stability on floating platforms. However, the aerodynamic complexity associated with these turbines has been introducing critical drawbacks that limit the widespread adoption of these turbines. Several strategies have been proposed to overcome the challenges, yet they were not quite successful in either practical or off-design performance aspect. The reason is attributed to the variable aerodynamics of Darrieus VAWTs from startup to optimal tip speed ratios (TSRs), which are not well scrutinized. This study explores the critical flow features that determine the performance of Darrieus VAWTs through linking the instantaneous torque to the flow structure. To this end, three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are employed to investigate the aerodynamics of Darrieus VAWT equipped with different widely used blade profiles. Results show that blade profiles such as the NACA series achieve high efficiency at optimal TSRs, owing to improved torque recovery during the downstroke motion. To gain high torque peak in the downwind region, it is recommended to prioritize preserving pressure on the pressure side over reducing flow separation on the blade suction side. NACA 0015 turbine shows up to 18% greater average torque at TSR 2.5 compared to that of DU 06-W-200. Through understanding key flow features in both design and off-design conditions, advanced VAWT blade designs can be promoted towards overcoming the aerodynamic challenges of VAWTs and utilizing their potential in the wind energy sector.
No recording available for this poster.
