A double-multiple streamtube model for vertical axis wind turbines of arbitrary rotor loading

Abstract

We introduce an improved formulation of the double-multiple streamtube (DMST) model for the prediction of the flow quantities of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT). The improvement of the new formulation lies in that it renders the DMST valid for any induction factor, i.e., for any combination of rotor solidity and tip speed ratio. This is done by replacing the Rankine-Froude momentum theory of the DMST, which is invalid for moderate and high induction factors, with a new momentum theory recently proposed, which provides sensible results for any induction factor. The predictions of the two DMST formulations are compared with VAWT power measurements obtained at Princeton's High Reynolds number Test Facility, over a range of tip speed ratios, rotor solidities, and Reynolds numbers, including those experienced by full-scale turbines. The results show that the new DMST formulation demonstrates a better overall performance, compared to the conventional one, when the rotor loading is moderate or high.