Comparison of Three-Dimensional Numerical Methods for Modeling of Strut Effect on the Performance of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

This paper compares three different numerical models to evaluate their accuracy for predicting the performance of an H-rotor vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) considering influence struts. The strut VAWTs is one factor that makes flow feature around more complex and thus influences rotor performance. focus this study placed on analyzing how accurately approaches are able reproduce force distribution resulting power, taking effect into account. For 12 kW straight-bladed VAWT, blade simulated at tip speed ratios by full computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model based Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations, actuator line (ALM), vortex model. results show all do not indicate a significant struts in total over revolution low ratio. However, middle high ratio, RANS reproduces decrease tangential caused due strut. Additionally, present clear along investigated. prediction ALM does such distinctive features impact. superior other two power coefficient effect, especially