Determining Diffuser Augmented Wind Turbine performance using a combined CFD/BEM method

Abstract

The optimisation of a Diffuser Augmented Wind Turbine has traditionally focused on maximising its power output. Optimising the design of the blade and the shape of the diffuser for maximum turbine power over a range of wind velocities is a complex process, as each will influence the others flow regime. In this paper we propose a method that combines the predictions of flow through a diffuser, using computational fluid dynamics, and the flow from a turbine blade using a modified blade element theory to predict the power output of a diffuser augmented wind turbine. Good agreement was found between the predictions from this new method and experimental data from the literature.