3D CFD Modelling of Performance of a Vertical Axis Turbine

Recently, wind turbine research has switched focus to vertical axis turbines due the extensive that been performed on horizontal and potential of in built-up areas. This study aims analyse performance a small-scale hybrid can switch from functioning as Darrieus (lift) Savonius (drag) by rotating blades. The was analysed using 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations ANSYS Fluent primary method, findings were verified tunnel experiments. During analysis, design parameters such blade length, diameter, number blades varied determine if had room for improvement. It found current an optimal efficiency 12.5% configuration, which increase when diameter or length increased. configuration be more efficient at low tip-speed ratios (<0.14), its could increased adding experiments similar trends simulations; however, efficiencies obtained average tenfold simulation. Implementing changes leads wake recovery distance, making it less suitable use farm.