Aerodynamic Performance Investigations of Savonius Twin-rotor Wind Turbines

Document Type : Regular Article

Authors

1 Center for Renewable Energies Development, CDER, BP 62 Road of the Observatory, Bouzareah, 16340, Algiers, Algeria

2 Mohamed Bougara University, Technology Faculty, Mechanical Engineering Department, Boumerdes, Algeria

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the aerodynamic efficiency of a Savonius vertical-axis wind turbine. The approach used relies on resolving the Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations (URANS), the turbulence being modeled by the k-ω SST model. The flow around the wind turbine is simulated using the arbitrary sliding interfaces technique. First, the study investigates the impact of blade shape on wind turbine efficiency by examining seven Savonius rotors constructed with distinct blade configurations. The results indicate that the highest aerodynamic performance is provided by the rotor with the elliptical blades, with a notable increase in the power coefficient of about 80% in comparison to the classic semi-circular profile. To further enhance the efficiency of the Savonius wind turbine, a twin-rotor configuration using the elliptical blades was studied. The results indicate a further enhancement in the power coefficient, reaching 110% compared to a single rotor with semicircular blades.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Applied Fluid Mechanics
Volume 17, Issue 2 - Serial Number 82
February 2024
Pages 442-460

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History

  • Received: 25 May 2023
  • Revised: 30 August 2023
  • Accepted: 28 September 2023
  • Available online: 04 December 2023

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