Numerical analysis and optimization of a vertical axis wind turbine with a flapped blade

Abstract

Wind energy is perceived to have significant promise as a clean and practical source of renewable energy and as a crucial component in lowering harmful carbon dioxide emissions. The two main categories of modern wind turbines are horizontal axis wind turbines and vertical axis wind turbines. There has been a huge in interest in lift-type vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT), mainly for both large-scale offshore wind energy production and small-scale urban devices. This type of wind turbine is among the most typically studied vertical axis wind turbines using experimental or numerical approaches. In this study, a blade for vertical axis wind turbines with a dynamic flap has been proposed. It is based on the NACA symmetrical type airfoil. The flow around the blade has been approached using a 2D numerical simulation. To investigate how various factors affect the blade's aerodynamic performance, an experiment design is utilized. An optimization approach also was used in this work, which allowed to predict the improved shape of the blade in order to obtain higher efficiency. Through the use of simulations, we were able to identify the ideal angle of attack. The numerical findings demonstrate that the dynamic flap enhances the turbine's ability to start on its own. For all of the trails of Taguchi's table, we were also able to assess the velocity field profile surrounding the blade. These intriguing results could encourage future research to use an experimental approach.