Performance of Savonius Wind Turbine Affected by Circular Cylinder Beside Advancing and in front of Returning Blade: Experimental Method

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of circular cylinders positioned beside the advancing blade and in front of the returning blade on the performance of a Savonius wind turbine. The experimental method focuses on assessing how these cylinders affect the turbine's efficiency and self-starting capability. Various distances between the cylinders and the turbine blades (S/D = 1.4) and different cylinder positions (Y/D = 1.27, 1.32, 1.37, 1.42, 1.51, 1.61, 1.71, 1.82, 2.00) were explored. Tests were conducted under constant speeds corresponding to Reynolds numbers of Re = 120,000 and 150,000. Preliminary findings of all various distances indicate a significant improvement in turbine performance, particularly in enhancing self-starting ability, when using these disturbance cylinders compared to conventional designs. Specifically, the configuration with cylinders positioned at S/D = 1.4 and Y/D = 1.51 demonstrated the most promising results, showing the static torque coefficient a 48% increase in performance at a wind speed of 6 m/s and a remarkable 78% increase at 7 m/s. These results highlight the potential of utilizing circular cylinders strategically around Savonius wind turbines to optimize their performance and operational efficiency.