27

………..CHAPTER – 2

LITERATURE REVIEW
 28

CHAPTER-2

LITERATURE REVIEW
S.No. Name of the Sub Title Page No.

2.0 Introduction 29

2.1 Literature survey of vertical axis wind turbines 29

2.2 Use of CFD soft ware in this work 70

2.3 Scope of the work 70

 29

CHAPTER – 2

LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 INTRODUCTION

The present investigation aims at the performance improvement

of vertical axis wind turbine rotor with various reducer angles and

reduced the opposite wind pressure on Savonius rotors, of the order of

less than 12 m/sec, which are normally present in India. The wind

turbine should be a self starting device to meet the requirements and

wind velocity fluctuations.

2.1 LITERATURE SURVEY OF VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINES

The literature review pertaining to the pure experimental

aspects of wind turbine and the literature related to experimental

methods supported by simulation methods are presented below.

Even though vertical axis wind turbines have been neglected

till now, they can prove to be highly promising in the case of

the new rotor design. In the last two decades, attention has

been focused on improving the efficiency of vertical axis wind

turbines. According to Bergey[122], Griffiths[123] and P a o r [ 9 3 ] , the

maximum conversion efficiency of the horizontal axis wind turbine is

16/27. Air is treated stationery, non-viscous and incompressible in

the analysis of Betz limit. Paul[124] of Van Nostrand Reinhold

Company stated that the vertical axis turbine will have efficiency

almost identical to the horizontal axis wind turbine. Power perfor-

mance of Savonius wind rotor (Cp 15%) is rather low when

compared with that of the wind rotors with a horizontal axis (Cp
 30

45%) and Darrieus-type wind rotor with a vertical axis (Cp

35%) [1,2]. However, Savonius wind rotor has many advantages over

others in that its constructions are simpler and cheaper, it is

independent of the wind direction and has a good starting torque at

lower wind speeds. Therefore, available in the literature are a lot of

studies that have been conducted to increase the performance of a

Savonius wind rotor.

In these studies, a number of scientists have experimentally

and numerically examined the effects of various design parameters of

Savonius wind rotor such as the rotor aspect ratio, the overlap and

the separation gap between the rotor buckets, the profile change of

the bucket cross section, the number of buckets, the presence or

absence of rotor endplates, and the influence of bucket stacking [93–

98]. Many experimental and numerical studies have been carried out

on Savonius wind rotors to investigate the flow field and the

pressure distribution on blades [99–112]. In addition, the effect of

the swinging angle of the rotor blades on rotor characteristics and

power has been investigated by Aldos [106]. The optimum swinging

angle of rotor blades increased the maximum

Burcin Deda Altan [148] presented the idea of curtain with

different size and angles of curtains. The article of Burcin Deda Altan

brings a comprehensive theoretical and empirical study of air

concentrating curtain arrangements in the area of wind energy. In the

analysis, five different slope angles are used. In stepwise, the

length and angle of is changed to determine its effect on the increase

 31

in the wind speed. The variations of outlet speed by varying lengths of

and angles of curtains and ramp.

Shikha[125] reported a new vertical axis wind rotor for low

wind speed areas with a convergent nozzle for the amplification of

wind speed. Such novel rotors can be built in small units instead of

large central power plants suitable for different load requirements.

The importance of the work is especially due to the current trend of

high power generation. Another success has been made to analyze

the optimal nozzle dimensions for a better performance of the system.

Touryan[127], Macpherson[128] and Newman[129] conducted

few investigations on the vertical axis wind turbine to enhance the

power coefficient using a nozzle system. In investigations, the

efficiency of the turbine is increased approximately to 33%. But,

according to Modi [130] the power coefficient of a fairly streamlined

vertical axis wind turbine is only 22%. Sharpe[131] developed a

theoretical model using the computer programme for aerodynamic

analysis of various stream tube for a vertical axis wind turbine.

Sabzevan[132] proposed the idea of placing a flat plate to collect a

large amount of air on to the drum of VAWT. The power coefficient is

thus, increased by 15%. The rise in power coefficient can be

compared with the simulated version of Obeidat[133] According to

Obeidat, the rise in power coefficient of VAWT is 17%. Opawa[134]

applied the discrete-vortex method for the analysis of flow

separation for the generation of vortices around the rotor of VAWT.

Fujisawa[135] compared the flow velocities, pressures and

 32

vortices with flow visualization technique for the rotor of identical

dimensions.

A. S. Grinspan et. al. [13] described the development of a

Savonius rotor configuration which is simple in design, fabrication

and maintenance, and is suitable for small-scale rural application.

Initially, the performance studies of Savonius wind turbine rotors

have been carried out with conventional three bladed straight and

curved rotors. From the experiences of these experiments, two

distinct blade shapes i.e., an aerofoil type and a twisted type rotors

have been developed and tested in three bladed rotor system.

Performance characteristics of the developed rotor blades have been

evaluated and the results obtained are compared and discussed.

Joris Soens et. al. [14] developed a control scheme based on

‘direct power control’ for a variable-speed wind turbine. One of the

controller parameters is a time constant that can be chosen by the

user and that is strongly linked to the extent to which the electrical

output power is smoothed, compared to the fast varying wind speed.

This control methodology allows a more direct control of the electrical

output power than for classical control schemes. Also the impact on

voltage flicker can be evaluated more easily during the controller

design stage, and the correspondence between turbine inertia and

maximum output power smoothing can be examined.

K.V.O. Rabah [15] presented improvements in the wind-scoop

geometry and efficiency of a double stark Savonius rotor, developed

through a series of wind tunnel and field testing in East Africa. On an

 33

aerodynamic performance basis, the Savonius rotor cannot generally

compete with other types of wind turbines. This is entirely due to its

mode of operation. Unlike its counter-parts that operate by rotating

around a horizontal axis, it rotates around a vertical axis. This has

the unfortunate effect of lowering its efficiency, but it has several

compensating factors. Its main advantages are that it has better

starting torque performance with operating characteristics

independent of the wind direction. In addition, it is simple in

structure and the fabrication technology required is less sophisticated

when compared to similar types of windmills. This makes it a suitable

system for small scale applications in wind energy conversion,

especially in remote rural regions in developing countries.

Anthony Joseph and Ehrlich Desa [16], designed for an in-

house use, speed and direction performances of flowmeters,

employing an Aanderaa type curved-bladed Savonius rotor and a free

vane and an Aanderaa type flat-bladed Savonius rotor. It has been

observed that accuracy, linearity, and tilt response of a meter using

the Aanderaa curved-bladed rotor is superior to those of a meter

using the Aanderaa flat-bladed rotor. Analysis showed that the

azimuth response arises from flow pattern modifications in the

vicinity of the rotor, imposed by the changes in the horizontal angle of

the support rods of the rotor relative to the flow streamlines. While

the use of two support rods may be suitable for a fixed-vane system,

it is undesirable for a free-vane system where the meter’s orientation

with respect to the flow direction is not defined. Flow direction

 34

calibration results indicated that a fixed-vane system exhibits

superior direction performance compared to a free-vane system. The

comparatively poor direction performance of the free-vane system

stems from the poor coupling to the “vane-follower” magnet from the

external vane.

Mahesh Kamoji et. al. [17] studied the Savonius rotor for the

effect of gap ratio. Savonius rotor is a vertical axis wind turbine. It

has high static torque coefficient because of which it is suitable for

water pumping applications. The static torque coefficient though

high, is not uniform at various rotor angles. It varies from a negative

value at rotor angles of 135° to 165° to a maximum positive value at a

rotor angle of 45°. The calculated coefficient static torque from the

measured coefficient of pressure distributions on the static blade and

the measured coefficient of static torque are in close agreement with

each other as reported by Fujisawa et. al. for gap ratios from 0 to 0.5.

Effect of end tip condition of the Savonius rotor and Reynolds number

on the local pressure distribution and static torque is not reported in

the open literature. Effect of gap ratio, end tip condition (blunt edge

and round edge) at various rotor angles on the local pressure drop

and coefficient of static torque is studied for a conventional Savonius

rotor. The static torque coefficient is found to be independent of

Reynolds number and the end tip condition. The static torque

coefficient increases with increase in the gap ratio from 0 to 0.5 and it

decreases with the further increase in the gap ratio.

 35

R. Gupta et. al. [18] made experimental investigations to study

the performance of a Savonius rotor as well as a Savonius- Darrieus

machine. For this purpose, two types of models, one Savonius rotor

and the other Savonius- Darrieus machine were designed and

fabricated. The Savonius rotor was a two- bladed system having 8 cm

bucket diameter and 20 cm in height with provision for overlap

variation. For the Savonius- Darrieus machine, in the upper part,

there was a two-bladed Savonius rotor having bucket diameter of 8

cm and height of 10 cm and in the lower side, there was Darrieus

machine having three curved blades of dimension of 10 cm in height

and 4 cm in radius. The overlap variation was made in the upper

part. These were tested in a subsonic wind tunnel and it was

observed that there was an improvement in the power coefficient for

Savonius- Darrieus machine compared to only Savonius rotor under

the same test conditions.

E. Wendell Hewson [19] made investigation into the amount of

available power in the wind energy. According to his paper, there is

vast energy available in the earth’s winds for man’s use. It is

conservatively estimated that the wind power available to man is the

equivalent of the output of 1000 typical fossil fueled or nuclear power

plants of 1000 megawatts (MW) capacity each. By contrast, the water

power potential of the earth is only one-tenth as large. Large wind

generators have been built and used during the past 50 years.

Research on wind power sites in the mountainous coastal and valley

areas of the Pacific Northwest is being conducted. Terrain

 36

modification, aero-generator “farms”, special duty installations,

environmental impacts, land use, and net energy costs are all taken

into consideration. It is concluded that wind power shows promise of

supplying substantial amounts of supplementary electrical energy

and that the development of this wind power potential should proceed

with the federal government taking a lead role.

Jean-Luc Menet and Nachida Bourabaa [20] made parametric

studies on the aerodynamic behaviour of slow running wind turbines

of Savonius type to compare the results. Through a detailed study, it

is possible to identify the influent parameters, and to show that the

aerodynamic efficiency of the Savonius rotor can be notably improved

via a judicious choice of its geometrical parameters. This study

suggests to use a double-stepped Savonius rotor with two paddles

and two end-plates. The height of the rotor should be twice its

diameter. The primary overlap ratio must be between 0.15 and 0.3

times the diameter of the paddle, whereas the secondary overlap ratio

should be equal to 0.

This study is followed by a numerical simulation of the flow.

The results of the simulation propose the optimal values for the

geometrical parameters. This simulation leads us not only to precise

the nature of the flow, but also to determine the aerodynamic

behaviour of the rotor. The results are compared to experimental

data. In particular, a prediction of the aerodynamic torques for few

geometrical configurations is given. The influence of a central shaft is

studied. The influence of the Reynolds number is investigated. These

 37

considerations make it possible to define an optimal geometrical

configuration.

Precise prediction of performance of a wind turbine largely

depends on accurate knowledge of flow around the rotor as it is

subject to induced velocity caused by the spiral vortex wake and the

unsteady aerodynamic loads caused by rapid change of wind

direction.

Hiroshi Imamura et. al. [21] studies the flow around a

horizontal axis wind turbine rotor in a yawed flow condition is

analyzed by a panel method with a free wake model and cyclic

fluctuations of aerodynamic load due to asymmetric inflow condition

are obtained. To include viscous effects in the calculated results, local

angle of attack is investigated and is found to be defined well by angle

of incidence at a quarter chord point in case of non-yawed condition.

In the yawed condition effects of highly skewed vortex wake on the

angle of attack are also discussed.

M. C. Percival et. al. [22] explored the adoption of Savonius

rotor (S-rotor) wind turbine for household/domestic electricity

generation. The design process and justification of the new machine

will be described. A prototype has been built and installed at a

selected site. The operational experience of this site testing will also

be summarized. The result so far is feasible. This project produces an

investigational exploration of a Savonius rotor wind turbine adapted

for household electricity generation. The innovative technology

turbine collects wind energy and converts it into electricity, which in

 38

turn produces a 12 volt output which is used to charge one heavy

duty battery.

H.D. Pite [23] studied the effect of interference on the

performance of a Savonius rotor. When a Savonius rotor is used on a

current meter as a sensor for fluid speed, it is usually surrounded by

a number of support rods. The rods interfere with the flow to the

rotor and depending on their orientation to the rotor speed

asymmetries are large for the rotor used by Aanderaa Instruments

than for a true Savonius rotor. The asymmetries can be reduced to

near zero if the number of rods used is such that near cancellation of

the positive and negative asymmetries that occur. The asymmetry

pattern for one support rod can be used to deduce the pattern for any

number of rods; thus, for a specified rotor, support rod diameter and

pitch circle, the number of rods can be chosen to give the minimum

azimuthal asymmetry.

Chauvin et. al. [24] decided the lift and drag coefficients of the

turning Savonius wind machine from the pressure contrast measured

between the upper plane and the lower plane of a blade. Dimensions

of pressure have been performed for two sets of test the first for U∞ =

10 m/sec and the second one for U∞ = 12.5 m/sec. In each one case it

is to be noted that a negative lift impact is available for low

estimations of the tip speed proportion λ. The lift coefficient gets to be

certain when λ increments. The drag coefficient is obviously all the

time negative.

Takao Maeda et. al. [25] investigated the flow field around a
 39

2.4m diameter three-bladed upwind horizontal axis wind turbine. The

flow field around the rotor blade was measured with the use of Laser

Doppler Velocimetry Method (LDV). The angle of attack is calculated

from the flow vectors. The flow field in the near wake shows strong

fluctuations at stall condition. The circulation around the blade

sections, as a quantitative parameter to study the rotor performance,

is also calculated by flow vectors around rotor blade. The velocity

vectors at optimum tip speed ratio operation show a smooth flow

around the blade and the bound vortex around blade cross-section

seems to be persistent. On the other hand, the velocity vectors at stall

condition demonstrate significant fluctuations in the near wake and

separation on the blade suction surface was observed. The circulation

along blade span wise section was calculated at the certain control

volume. By the observation of flow field and calculated results of

circulation, it seems that the flow is separated at the blade from

middle-span region to tip region at stall condition. No separation was

observed at the blade root region.

Tsutomu Hayashi et. al. [26] studied the torque characteristics

of an ordinary Savonius rotor. Any Savonius rotor has two problems:

the first one is the fairly large torque variation and the second one is

that there are some angular positions where the static torque is

negative or very small. To improve such undesirable torque

characteristics of Savonius rotor, a three-stage out-phase type

Savonius rotor, which has three stages and buckets of which have

120-degree phase shift between the adjacent stages, was designed

 40

and made. Wind tunnel tests were carried out on this new type

Savonius rotor and an ordinary one-stage rotor. The tests included

the fluctuation measurements of the static and dynamic torques in

one revolution, and the average torque measurements at different

rotational speeds.

Brad C. Cochran et. al. [27] developed a three tired approach

for designing and evaluating performance characteristics of wind

energy conversion system design. It is important that new entrants

realize the full potential of the wind energy conversion system early in

their product development cycle.

Hamid R. Rahai [28] studied the optimum design configuration

and performance for vertical axis wind turbine, in his feasibility

report. To improve the efficiency of vertical axis wind turbines with

the expectation that the inherently simple vertical axis turbines could

be manufactured at low cost, leading to their widespread use. The

analysis noted that small units could be manufactured for distributed

generation of electricity in residential and commercial locations. The

units would be grid connected to take advantage of net metering and

would provide pollution free generation of electricity using a

renewable resource at a cost competitive with power supplied by the

grid.

David L. F. Garden [29] in his thesis focused on modeling

techniques for river kinetic turbines, to develop predictive numerical

tools to further the design of this emerging hydro technology. The

performance benefits of enclosing the turbine are quantified

 41

numerically and an optimized shroud design is developed. The

optimum performing model is then used to study river kinetic

turbines, including different anchoring systems to enhance

performance. Two different turbine numerical models are studied to

simulate the rotor. Four different computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

turbulence models are compared against a series of particle image

velocimetry (PIV) experiments involving highly-separated diffuser-flow

and nozzle-flow conditions. The risk of cavitation is briefly discussed

as well as riverbed boundary layer losses. This study is part of an

effort to develop this emerging technology for distributed power

generation in provinces like Manitoba that have a river system well

adapted for this technology.

T. Diveux et. al., [30] developed a method for the optimization of

a grid-connected wind turbine system. The behaviour of the system

components is coupled in a non-linear way and optimization must

take into account technical and economical aspects of the complete

system design. The annual electrical energy cost is estimated using a

cost model for the wind turbine rotor, nacelle and tower and an

energy output model based on the performance envelopes of the

power coefficient of the rotor, CP, on the Weibull parameters k and c

and on the power law coefficient ˛ of the wind profile. In this study the

site is defined with these three parameters and the extreme wind

speed Vmax. The model parameters vary within a range of possible

values. Other elements of the project (foundation, grid connection,

financing cost, etc.) are taken into account through coefficients. The
 42

optimal values of the parameters are determined using genetic

algorithms, which appear to be efficient for such a problem.

Linda Guittet et. al., [31] explored the possibility in extracting

energy from the sea. So, even if the vertical axis turbine is not a

concept commonly used for the extraction of wind energy, this

concept needs to be examined in the case of extraction in water. One

important point for the use of the vertical axis turbine in water is that

the exploitation conditions and the structural forces applied to the

turbine are different in water and in air. They presented some

concepts of vertical axis water turbine, setting up to study the

hydraulic behaviour of vertical axis turbines.

James L. Tangler [32] studied the historical perspective of the

evolution of rotor and blade design during the last 20 years. This

evolution is a balanced integration of economic, aerodynamic,

structural dynamic, noise, and aesthetic considerations, which are

known to be machine type and size dependent. The resurgence of

wind energy the last quarter of the past decade opened the door to a

wide variety of rotor designs and materials that through trial and

error, has converged to the market-driven, three-bladed composite,

rotor configuration.

K.Suresh Babu et. al. [33] studied the material selection

technique for typical wind turbine blades using a Multiple Attribute

Decision Making (MADM) approach and analysis of blades. The

efficiency of the wind turbine depends on the material of the blade,

shape of the blade and angle of the blade. So, the material of the
 43

turbine blade plays a vital role in the wind turbines. The material of

the blade should possess the high stiffness, low density and long

fatigue life. The main objective of our topic is to discuss the different

materials as candidates for turbine blades and to select the best

material for turbine blades by using one of the MADM (Multiple

Attribute Decision Making) approach with fuzzy logic variables. After

the material selection, the turbine blades are generated by using

modeling packages (CATIA V5R9) and Analysis can be done by using

FEM for different configurations, different operating conditions, in

different cases were taken up to estimate the values of deformations,

stress values and different frequency sets by altering the thickness of

blade and angle of twist.

U. K. Saha et. al.[34] investigated the use of twisted bamboo

bladed rotor for Savonius wind turbines. Due to low rotational speed

and low power production, Savonius rotors are lagging in terms of

technology from horizontal axis wind turbines. It is, however, believed

that with some design modification of the blades, the Savonius types

of machines may be quite useful for small-scale power requirement.

Preliminary investigation in this direction led to the development of a

new blade shape with a twist for the Savonius rotor. The twisted

blade fabricated from sheet metals has shown its potential as

compared to the other conventional blades. In this investigation,

twisted blades fabricated from bamboo strips have been tested to find

its operational feasibility. Experiments with bamboo bladed rotor

show a slightly lower rotational speed as compared to the earlier

 44

tested twisted metallic blades. However, the low cost and the ease of

fabrication could make this type of design useful for small-scale

power generation in rural areas.

R.E. Wilson [35] reviewed the aerodynamics of wind turbines

starting with effects of lift and drag on translating devices and

proceeding through the performance aerodynamics of the horizontal

axis and vertical-axis machines currently in service. Horizontal-axis

rotor aerodynamics is outlined and the performance limits are

presented along with key assumptions and problem areas. The

Darrieus rotor multiple stream tube analysis is developed and

compared with fixed and free wake analysis for an idealized case.

B.G: Newman [36] has applied the actuator disc theory to a

vertical axis wind turbine to determine optimum performance in the

absence of blade drag: An analysis with uniform inflow factor through

tandem actuator discs indicates that these earlier predictions may be

slightly pessimistic.

B.G: Newman [37] studied the multiple actuator-disc theory for

wind turbines. If the effects of fluid rotation are neglected, one-

dimensional theory for a single actuator disc gives a maximum power

coefficient of 16/27. This is the usual Betz limit for the power of

horizontal-axis wind turbines. Tandem discs are a more appropriate

representation for a vertical-axis, Darrieus, wind turbine and give

more accurate predictions of turbine performance when used in

conjunction with blade element theory. The maximum power

coefficient for two discs in tandem is 16/25.

 45

The case of an actuator discs is considered. It is shown that the

maximum power coefficient is [8n(n+l)]/[3(2n+l)2]. The corresponding

axial inflow factor for the rth disc is (2r-1)/(2r+1), and the outflow

factor for the outer annulus of that disc is 2r/(2r+l ). For a very large

number of discs the maximum power coefficient is thus 2/3, which is

13% larger than the maximum for a single disc. Some flow

visualization experiments on flow through tandem screens are

presented which indicate that the minimum spacing below which the

theory begins to become inaccurate is about one half of a disc

diameter.

L.B. Wang et. al. [38] studied the potential flow 2-D vortex

panel model (VPM2D) for unsteady hydrodynamics calculation of the

vertical axis straight blade variable pitch turbine was given for tidal

streams energy conversion. Numerical results of predicted

instantaneous blade forces and wake flow of the rotor showed good

agreement with the test data. The model was also compared with the

previous classic free vortex model (VDART) and vortex method

combined with finite element analysis (FEVDTM). It showed that the

present model was much better than the former, less complex than

the latter and suitable for designing and optimization of the vertical

axis straight blade turbine.

Mazharul Islam et. al. [39] studied the aerodynamic models for

Darrieus-type straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbines. This model

is crucial for deducing optimum design parameters and also for

predicting the performance before fabricating the VAWT. The authors

 46

have attempted to compile the main aerodynamic models that have

been used for performance prediction and design of straight-bladed

Darrieus-type VAWT. It has been found out that at present the most

widely used models are the double-multiple stream-tube model,

Vortex model and the Cascade model. Each of these three models has

its strengths and weaknesses which are discussed.

Fernando L. Ponta and Pablo M. Jacovkis [40] investigated on

vortex model for Darrieus turbine using finite element techniques.

Two families of models can be identified: stream-tube and vortex. The

former needs much less computation time but the latter is more

accurate. The purpose of this paper is to show a new option for

modeling the aerodynamic behavior of Darrieus turbines.

V. H. Morcos And O. M. E. Abdel-Hafez [41] tested a vertical-

axis wind turbine (VAWT) with an arrow-head rotor in the laboratory

at wind tunnel speeds of 16.3, 18.05 and 19.75 m/s. The power and

torque coefficients were studied as functions of the blade section,

rectangular and aerofoil, the blade angle  (12, 55 and 90°), the

attack angle (0, 30 and 90°), the blade-length ratio L/Lmax (0.50,

0.75 and 1.0) and finally the tip-speed ratio U/V. The analysis of the

experimental results showed that the power and torque coefficients of

the rectangular blade section were higher than those of the aerofoil

blade section and they increased with a decrease in the blade angle

and the blade-length ratio. They increased with an increase in the

attack angle. The power coefficient increased to a maximum value

and then decreased again with an increase in the tip-speed ratio,

 47

while the torque coefficient decreased directly with an increase in the

tip-speed ratio. The arrow-head wind turbine performed best with the

rectangular blade section with a blade angle of 12°, blade-length ratio

of 0.75 and attack angle of 30°.

F. Wang et. al. [42] investigated the possibility of improving

wind energy capture, under low wind speed conditions in a built up

area and the design of a small wind generator for domestic use in

such areas. The first part of the study, related to the development of

the methodology using physical tests conducted in a boundary layer

wind tunnel and computer modeling using commercial computational

fluid dynamics (CFD) code. The activities reported in this paper are

optimisation of a scoop design and validation of the CFD model. The

final design of scoop boosts the airflow speed by a factor of 1.5 times

equivalent to an increase in power output of 2.2 times with the same

swept area. Wind tunnel tests show that the scoop increases the

output power of the wind turbine. The results also indicate that, by

using a scoop, energy capture can be improved at lower wind speeds.

The experimentally determined power curves of the wind generator

located in the scoop are in good agreement with those predicted by

the CFD model.

M.O.L. Hansen et. al. [43] reviewed the wind turbine aero

elasticity. The aerodynamic part starts with the simple aerodynamic

Blade Element Momentum Method and ends with giving a review of

the work done applying CFD on wind turbine rotors. In between some

methods of intermediate complexity such as vortex and panel

 48

methods are explained. Also the different approaches to structural

modeling of wind turbines are addressed. Finally, the coupling

between the aerodynamic and structural modeling is shown in terms

of possible instabilities with some examples.

Brian Kinlock Kirke [44] investigated in his doctoral thesis on

self-starting vertical axis wind turbines for stand-alone applications.

There is an urgent need for economic, clean, sustainable energy

supplies, not only in densely populated areas where electricity grids

are appropriate, but also in rural areas where stand-alone power

supply systems are often more suitable. Although electrical power

supply is versatile and convenient, it introduces unnecessary

complexity for some off-grid applications where direct mechanical

shaft power can conveniently be provided by a wind turbine.

K. Abe, M. Nishida et. al. [45] carried out experimental and

numerical investigations for flow fields of a small wind turbine with a

flanged diffuser. The present wind-turbine system gave a power

coefficient higher than the Betz limit owing to the effect of the flanged

diffuser. To elucidate the flow mechanism, mean velocity profiles

behind a wind turbine were measured using a hot-wire technique. By

processing the obtained data, characteristic values of the flow fields

were estimated and compared with those for a bare wind turbine. In

addition, computations corresponding to the experimental conditions

were made to assess the predictive performance of the simulation

model presently used and also to investigate the flow field in more

detail. The present experimental and numerical results gave useful

 49

information about the flow mechanism behind a wind turbine with a

flanged diffuser. In particular, a considerable difference was seen in

the destruction process of the tip vortex between the bare wind

turbine and the wind turbine with a flanged diffuser.

A.B. Turner et. al. [46] studied the fluid flow and heat transfer

over straight and curved rough surfaces. Measurements of Fluid

pressure, velocity, including turbulent fluctuations and heat transfer

were made over the straight and curved lower surface of a wind

tunnel with an upper surface which could be flexed to control the

stream wise pressure gradients. Laser Doppler techniques were

employed for flow visualisation and detailed investigation of the flow

structure. These were roughened in a structured manner with

machined excrescences of pyramidal and trapezoidal shape. Fluid

dynamic data are presented for smooth and rough surfaces and heat

transfer results from roughness’s of three different heights. Velocity

gradients and curvature, less than often found in turbo-machinery, in

the ranges examined, had relatively little effect compared to the

roughness. The present observations are compared with relevant data

in the literature.

A. Crespo and J. Hernandez [47] analyzed the evolution of

turbulence characteristics in wind-turbine wakes. Based on

experimental results and on numerical results obtained with a CFD

code, complemented with some theoretical considerations, simple

analytical expressions are proposed for the estimation of the

turbulent kinetic energy, k, and its dissipation rate, . To obtain the

 50

turbulence spectra in the wake a classical law used for atmospheric

turbulence is assumed, in which characteristic values of turbulence

velocity and turbulence length are calculated by algebraic

combinations of k and , so that when the effect of the wake is

negligible the spectrum of the unperturbed basic flow is recovered.

Rachid Younsi et. al. [48] studied dynamic behavior of a wind

turbine with horizontal axis can be undertaken by various methods of

analysis. The effects of the change of the aerodynamic flow (in the

steady and unsteady cases), the variation of parameters of the

cinematic movement (angle of attack, pitch angle and yaw angle) and

the definition of subsystems characteristics that makes the wind

turbine (blade, nacelle and pylon) allow one to characterize the

structural dynamic behavior of the wind turbine

Alireza Maheri et. al. [49] used a combined analytical/FEA-

based coupled aero structure simulation on a wind turbine with

bend–twist adaptive blades. The simulation of wind turbines with

bend–twist adaptive blades is a coupled aero-structure (CAS)

procedure. The blade twist due to elastic coupling is a required

parameter for wind turbine performance evaluation and can be

predicted through a finite element (FE) structural analyzer.

Jenkins et. al. [50] have designed a naturally ventilated atrium

which was assessed using both wind tunnel and CFD methods to

appraise and modify the response of the system to wind forces. The

initial design was expected to be susceptible to flow reversal due to

wind forces opposing and ultimately defeating buoyancy forces.

 51

Several design options were assessed by both methods. Both the

methods were able to provide good information to guide the design

development. Crucially, the information and guidance from both

methods was consistent; that is either method could have led the

design development to a similar final result. Each method has, of

course, advantages and limitations, and to some extent these are

complementary, appraise and modify the response of the system to

wind forces.

The Rise Atmospheric Mixed Spectral-Integration Model

(RAMSIM) is a micro-scale, linear flow model developed to quickly

calculate the mean wind flow field over orography. It was designed by

Jean-François Corbett et. al. [51] to bridge the gap between WASP

and similar models that are fast but insufficiently accurate over steep

slopes, and non linear CFD models that are accurate but too

computationally expensive for routine use on a PC. RAMSIM is

governed by the RANS and E-å turbulence closure equations,

expressed in non-Cartesian coordinates.

Jeppe Johansen and Niels N. Sorensen et. al. [52] have

described the numerical investigation of the aerodynamics around a

wind turbine blade with a winglet using Computational Fluid

Dynamics, CFD. Five winglets were investigated with different twist

distribution and camber. Four of them were pointing towards the

pressure side (upstream) and one was pointing towards the suction

side (downstream). Additionally, a rectangular modification of the

original blade tip was designed with the same plan form area as the
 52

blades with winglets. Results show that adding a winglet to the

existing blade increase the force distribution on the outer

approximately. 14 % of the blade leading to increased produced power

of around 0.6% to 1.4% for wind speeds larger than 6 m/s. This has

to be compared to the increase in thrust of around 1.0% to 1.6%.

Pointing the winglet downstream increases the power production even

further. The effect of sweep and cant angles is not accounted for in

the present investigation and could improve the winglets even more.

J. Johansen et. al. [53] computed two rotors blades during

standstill conditions, using two different Navier-Stokes solvers EDGE

and EllipSys3D. Both steady and transient linear k-RANS turbulence

models are applied, along with steady non-linear RANS and transient

DES simulations. The STORK 5.0 WPX blade is computed a three

different tip pitch angles, 0, 26 and 50 degrees tip pitch angle, while

the NREL Phase-VI blade is computed at 90 degrees tip pitch angle.

Generally the CFD codes reproduce the measured trends quite well

and the two involved CFD codes give very similar results. The

discrepancies observed can be explained by the difference in the

applied turbulence models and the fact that the results from one of

the solvers are presented as instantaneous values instead of averaged

values. The comparison of steady and transient RANS results show

that the gain of using time true computations are very limited for this

case, with respect to mean quantities.

Bo Hoffmann Jorgensen et. al. [54] Subsets of measured wind

data from the Hjardemal field experiment are extracted in order to

 53

produce test cases representing nearly stationary, neutral conditions

with well defined upstream flow. Model solutions of the Reynolds

Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) equations are obtained by utilizing the

numerical flow solver EllipSys3D. When utilizing the well-known k-

epsilon model as a turbulence closure, the result is a nearly complete

agreement between the measurements and the model solution, not

only for the forward flow but also for the separating backward flow.

Small deviations can be understood from analyzing the conditions of

the field experiment. It is of vital importance to understand the

conditions under which the flow solver yields accurate solutions, in

particular with respect to the grid generation, which was performed

with the hyperbolic grid generator HypGrid2D/3D.

Jakob Mann et. al. [55] developed a robust and efficient method

for calculating Cartesian grid of heights or roughness from contour

line maps. The purpose of the grids is to serve as input for

atmospheric flow solvers such as WASP Engineering or EllipSys3D.

The method builds on Delaunay triangulation constrained to include

all contour segments in the triangulation. It is furthermore refined to

avoid spurious flat areas produced by the Delaunay triangulation.

Robust ways to extrapolate beyond the convex hull of the map points

are provided.

Thomsen, K T. Buhl et. al. [56] designed guidelines for active

aero elastic control of PRVS wind turbines and derived for “Aeroelastic

Stability and Control of Large Wind Turbines” (STABCON) partially

funded by the European Commission (EC) under the contract NNK5-

 54

CT2002-00627. The objective of the active aero elastic control is to

investigate load alleviation potential, robustness and contradicting

objectives for different controller concepts. It is important to note that

the conclusions and recommendations of the presented guidelines are

derived partly on the experience obtained in the Work Package 5 and

6 of the STABCON project, and partly from the large amount of

common knowledge and understanding on aero elastic control that

the partners have obtained in other previous projects. The partners

gratefully acknowledge the support by the European Commission,

which is vital for the continuation of this successful long term

research cooperation.

M. H. Hansen et. al. [57] considered the following parameters

for passive instability suppression, by eight relevant topics within

aeroelastic stability of turbines:

1. Effect of airfoil aerodynamics: The airfoil aerodynamics given by

the profile coefficients for aerodynamic lift, drag, and moment are

shown to have a direct effect on aerodynamic damping of blade

vibrations. A redesign of the airfoils can improve the power

performance of the rotor without loss of aerodynamic damping:

2. Effect of flap/edgewise frequency coincidence: The natural

frequencies of the first flap wise and first edgewise blade bending

modes become closer as the blades become more slender. This 1-1

resonance may lead to a coupling flap- and edgewise blade

vibrations which increases the edgewise blade mode damping:

3. Effect of flap/edgewise whirling coupling: The aerodynamic

 55

damping of blade vibrations close to the rotor plane is generally

lower than the aerodynamic damping of vibrations out of the rotor

plane. A structural coupling between the flap wise and edgewise

whirling modes can increase the overall aerodynamic damping by

adding more out of plane blade motion to the edgewise whirling

modes.

4. Effect of torsional blade stiffness: Low torsional blade stiffness may

lead to flutter where the first torsional blade mode couples to a

flap wise bending mode in flutter instability through the

aerodynamic forces.

5. Effect of whirl flutter on a wind turbine: Whirl flutter is an aero

elastic instability similar to blade flutter. Whirl flutter can occur on

turbines with very low natural frequencies of the tilt and yaw

modes (about 5 % of their original values).

6. Edgewise/torsion coupling for large flap wise deflections: The large

flap wise deflection of modern slender blades lead to a geometric

coupling of edgewise bending and torsion. The aeroelastic damping

of the blade modes are affected by a flap wise pre bend of the

blade.

7. Effect of yaw error on damping from wake: The wake behind the

rotor has an influence on the aerodynamic damping of the turbine

mode due to the dynamic behavior of the induced velocities from

the wake. When the turbine is operating with a yaw error, a small

change in the aerodynamic damping of lower damped turbine

modes is observed that may be caused by change of wake

 56

geometry.

8. Effect of generator dynamics: The total damping of turbine modes

involving drive train rotation, as the drive train torsion and lateral

tower modes, are highly affected by the dynamic behavior of the

generator torque. The aeroelastic damping of these modes changes

if the generator is operated at constant speed (e.g: asynchronous

generators), constant torque, or constant power (e.g: double-fed

induction machines).

Colin Dobson et. al. [58] have considered several sources from

which electricity can be generated and several ways in which it can be

delivered to the point of use. Today’s electricity is generated mostly

from limited sources, with which are associated by a number of

undesirable consequences. It is also delivered, for the most part, in a

central fashion. That is, a relatively small number of electricity

generating plants, most remotely located relative to population

centers, deliver electricity across power lines to its multiple points of

use. It has evolved largely because of social, market, and

technological conditions that are increasingly

ErolInelmen et. al. [59] searched for cleaner and renewable

energy technologies. Although aerodynamic theory provides the

necessary tools for the design of more efficient wind power devices,

experience is needed to deal with the complex formulation. Here we

argue that “knowledge based system”–one of the byproduct of

research in artificial intelligence- can help during the design the

process.
 57

Hansen et. al. [60] investigated on “Grid fault and design basis

for wind turbine” supported by Energinet.dk through the grant PSO

F&U 6319. The objective of this project was to investigate the

consequences of the new grid connection requirements for the fatigue

and extreme loads of wind turbines. The goal is also to clarify and

define possible new directions in the certification process of power

plant wind turbines, namely wind turbines, which participate actively

in the stabilization of power systems. Practical experience shows that

there is a need for such investigations. The grid connection

requirements for wind turbines have increased significantly during

the last 5-10 years.

John Read et. al. [61] have made an investigation on

instrumental data quality, the EC-VEINS project workshop in

November 1998 recommended the joint processing by CEFAS of all

German, Finnish and British Aanderaa RCM8 current meter records

from the VEINS array off SE Greenland. These instruments all have

the “paddle wheel” type of speed sensor but the joint processing of

their records revealed significant differences in derived flow speeds

due to differences in the value assumed for rotor pitch in the speed

equation.

Nicolaos Cutululis et. al. [62] have focused on power system

integration and electrical systems of wind turbines and wind farms in

fourth Nordic Wind Power Conference (NWPC). NWPC presents the

newest research results related to technical electrical aspects of wind

power, spanning from power system integration to electrical design

 58

and control of wind turbines. The first NWPC was held in Trondheim

(2000), Norway, the second in Gothenburg (2004), Sweden and the

third in Espoo (2006), Finland. Invited speakers, oral presentation of

papers and poster sessions ensured this to be a valuable event for

professionals and high-level students wanting to strengthen their

knowledge on wind power integration and electrical systems.

Jeppe Johansen et. al. [63] investigated and analyzed a complex

three-dimensional flow around three different tip shapes on a rotating

wind turbine blade using Computational Fluid Dynamics. Differences

in production, flap-wise bending moments and forces are discussed.

A method for determining the local inflow angle of attack is presented

and further analysis is performed on lift and drag coefficients. It is

shown that the original Standard tip results in a more concentrated

tip vortex leading to a steeper gradient on both tangential and normal

forces when approaching the tip, whereas the two tapered tips show a

more flat behavior. This again leads to lower flap-wise bending

moments and lower production for the Standard tip compared to the

two tapered tips.

Poul Sorensen et. al. [64] presented a report at Danish research

project “Operation and control of large wind turbines and wind

farms”. The objective of the project has been to analyse and assess

operational strategies and possibilities for control of different types of

wind turbines and different wind farm concepts. The potentials of

optimising the lifetime/energy production ratio by means of using

revised operational strategies for the individual wind turbines are

 59

investigated. Different strategies have been simulated, where the

power production is decreased to an optimum when taking loads and

actual price of produced electricity into account.

Seon-Hwan Cheong et. al. [65] designed a Vertical Axis Wind

Turbine that incorporated a helical Savonius rotor to improve self-

starting requires the later to rotate at its maximum possible speed.

The tip speed ratio of a helical Savonius rotor changes with respect to

the helix angle. An increase in the tip speed ratio corresponds to an

increase in efficiency of the turbine. This study was carried out

seeking to optimize the RPM of a helical Savonius rotor based on the

changes made on its helix angle. As a result theoretically and

experimentally, around 180 degree was found the most optimal angle

for it.

Jorge Antonio et. al. [66] raised the use of renewable energies,

for the big machines used in the wind farms. However, the small wind

turbine market still has a big gap. The Small Vertical Axis Wind

Turbine study aims at fill this gap, developing turbines with ranges

between 200 W and 500 W. These characteristics permit to take

advantage of the wind in regions where it has low speed, high

turbulence and to be used in autonomous systems. This project will

focus the prototype blades fabrication, methodology to analyze the

power performance of the Vertical Axis Wind Turbine in lab and

bench tests with generators.

Clemens Jauch et. al. [67] handled some selected problems

related to wind power in power systems on ‘Stability and Control of

 60

Wind Farms in Power Systems’. With increasing wind power

penetration, wind turbines substitute the power production of

conventional power plants. Therefore, wind turbines also have to take

over the power system stabilisation and control tasks, which were

traditionally carried out by conventional power plants.

Mac Gaunaa et. al. [68] derived analytical expressions for the

unsteady 2D force distribution on a variable geometry airfoil

undergoing arbitrary motion under the assumption of incompressible,

irrotational, inviscid flow.

Poul Sorensen et. al. [69] described various models and control

strategies for 3 different concepts of wind farms. Initially, the

potential in improvement of grid integration, structural loads and

energy production is investigated in a survey of opportunities. Then

simulation models are described, including wind turbine models for a

fixed speed wind turbine with active stall control and a variable speed

wind turbine with doubly-fed induction generator. After that, the 3

wind farm concepts and control strategies are described. The 3

concepts are AC connected doubly fed turbines, AC connected active

stall turbines and DC connected active stall turbines. Finally, some

simulation examples and conclusions were presented.

Saha U. K et. al. [70] presented an investigation by exploring

the feasibility of twisted bladed Savonius rotor for power generation.

The twisted blade in a three-bladed rotor system has been tested in a

low speed wind tunnel, and its performance has been compared with

conventional semicircular blades with twist angle of 0°. Performance

 61

analysis has been made on the basis of starting characteristics, static

torque and rotational speed. Experimental evidence shows the

potential of the twisted bladed rotor in terms of smooth running,

higher efficiency and self-starting capability as compared to that of

the conventional bladed rotor. Further experiments have been

conducted in the same setup to optimize the twist angle.

Chauvin, A et. al. [71] determined the lift and drag coefficients

of the rotating Savonius wind machine from the pressure difference,

measured between the upper plane and the lower plane of a blade.

Pressure measurements have been performed for two sets of

experiments; the first one for U ∞ = 10 m/s and the second one for

U∞ = 12.5 m/s. In each case it is to be noted that a negative lift effect

is present for low values of the tip speed ratio λ. The lift coefficient

becomes positive when λ increases. The drag coefficient is of course

always negative.

Dodd, H.M et. al. [72] investigated on the DOE/Sandia on a

34m Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) Test Bed which has been in

operation for over a year. With the advanced technology components

incorporated in the turbine (including airfoils, structures and variable

speed operation), its performance can be used to predict next

generation commercial VAWT potential. This paper begins with the

predicted and measured performance results obtained from the Test

Bed and applies these results to a hypothetical commercial machine

of the same size. The effects of a number of parameters are included

in the performance analysis. First, the importance of citing

 62

considerations are presented, including wind frequency distributions

(both real and Rayleigh) and mean wind speed and wind shear effects.

Next, the paper shows the relative contribution of variable speed

operation to improved performance and discusses other aspects of

variable speed. The predicted performance of a 34 m VAWT is

compared to existing machines, with annual energy capture per unit

of swept area being the primary comparative metric. Finally, some

cost of energy considerations associated with these technological

advances are covered.

Mojola, O.O et. al. [73] examined under field conditions and the

performance characteristics of the Savonius windmill rotor. Test data

were collected on the speed, torque and power of the rotor at a large

number of wind speeds for each of seven values of the rotor overlap

ratio. Field testing procedures are critically appraised and a unified

approach is suggested. The performance data of the Savonius rotor

are also fully discussed and design criteria established.

Raju, S.P.G: et. al. [74] have designed and fabricated a water

pumping windmill which can be built largely using materials and

skills available in rural areas. The windmill uses a Savonius rotor and

incorporates a novel sail type construction. The pump is of positive

displacement type using the casing of a pneumatic tire for the

pumping chamber. Two prototypes have been constructed and these

have indicated a reasonable performance and reliability.

Wilson, R.E. et. al. [75] summarized the state-of-the-art of

performance prediction methods for both horizontal and vertical axis

 63

wind turbines. Strip theory methods for horizontal axis wind turbines

are evaluated for various tip loss models and occurrence of multiple

solutions in strip theory analysis is discussed and illustrated. The

performance of high-solidity turbines such as the Chalk design also

are discussed. The configuration and performance of optimum

horizontal axis wind turbines are addressed. Optimization schemes

are developed and discussed and comparisons with the model rotor

are made. Performance at off-design conditions is also examined.

Performance prediction methods for vertical axis wind turbines are

covered. The performance model for the Darrieus Rotor is developed.

Multiple solutions are found to occur for Darrieus Rotors in the same

manner as occurs for horizontal axis rotors. This flow model is

compared to existing experimental data and shown to yield excellent

agreement. An analytical model of the flow in a Savonius Rotor is

presented. The flow model is shown to predict the essential features

of flow in Savonius Rotors with consideration of viscous effects.

Aldoss, T. K. et. al. [76] improved the Savonius rotor

performance by allowing both downwind and upwind rotor blades to

swing back through an optimum angle. This will minimize the drag on

the upwind blade and maximize the drag on the down-wind blade. A

combination of 500 upwind blade swing angle and 13.50 downwind

blade swing angle have been found experimentally to be the optimum

swing angles that increased the rotor maximum power coefficient to

about 23.5 percent compared with 18 percent with optimum upwind

blade swing alone.

 64

A. S. Grinspan et. al. [77] investigated and aimed at exploring

the feasibility of Savonius wind turbine blades for power generation,

which has hitherto been limited to water pumping and grain grinding

work. In this project, an attempt has been made to develop a twisted

blade for its use in Savonius wind turbine rotors. The objective is to

reduce the negative torque and the self-starting characteristics of a

single stacked rotor system while maintaining a high rotational speed

so that such a rotor system can be used for electricity generation.

Tests have been carried out of semicircular (curved) and twisted

blades both in a three bladed rotor system. Aerodynamic performance

of these blades have been evaluated in a low speed wind tunnel on

the basis of starting torque, power output and rotational speed at

various setting angles and gap widths. Experimental investigation

shows the potential of the twisted bladed rotor in terms of smooth

running, higher coefficient of performance and self-starting capability

as compared to that of the semicircular bladed rotor.

Botrini, M. et. al. [78] have attempted to improve the power

coefficient and moment of the Savonius rotor by placing a fairing in

front of the upwind-turning convex vane was described. A model was

tested in a subsonic wind tunnel using a partially overlapping design,

with trials run at 12.5 and 15 m/sec wind velocities using two

different fairing configurations, one short and one long: The efficiency

was calculated in terms of the free stream wind speed to the speed of

the rotor, and it was found that the increase in power converted was

sensitive to the length of the fairing: The longer fairing produced

 65

higher power coefficients. The ramp was concluded to augment the

actual flow entering the rotor, in addition to reducing drag on the

upwind-turning rotor.

Sharma, K.K. et. al. [79] have conducted many tests on models

in a wind tunnel for an optimum configuration of a Savonius rotor

wind turbine. Three types of Savonius rotor have been used (a simple

Savonius rotor of mild steel, an overlapped Savonius rotor of mild

steel and one overlapped Savonius rotors of aluminium). The effect of

different design parameters, namely rotor shape, overlap between

rotor blades was studied. The results have corroborated some of the

original findings of Savonius.

Jaroslav Mackerle et. al. [80] dealt with finite element analysis

of rotor dynamics problems that were published in 1994–1998. It

contains 319 citations. Also included, as separate subsections, are

finite element analyses of rotor elements–discs, shafts, spindles, and

blades. Topics dealing with fracture mechanics, contact and stability

problems of rotating machinery are also considered in specific

sections. The last part of the bibliography presents papers dealing

with specific industrial applications.

Bergeles, G: et. al. [81] constructed and tested a model of a two-

bucket Savonius rotor windmill in a wind tunnel. The flow field

around the rotor was examined visually and also quantitatively with

the use of a hot wire. The flow visualization revealed an upstream

influence on the flow field up to 3 rotor diameters away and a strong

downwash downstream. Hot wire measurements showed a large

 66

velocity deficit behind the rotor and a quick velocity recovery

downstream due to strong mixing; the latter was associated with high

levels of turbulence. Energy spectra revealed that all turbulence was

concentrated in a single harmonic corresponding to twice the

rotational speed of the rotor.

Mercier, John A. et. al. [82] experimented the power generating

characteristics of Savonius rotors towed through still water.

Variations in rotor geometry were investigated. Power absorption,

drag and side force were measured on six rotors tested in the towing

tank over a range of ratios of rotor vane tip peripheral speed divided

by rotor advance speed from the free-running to the locked rotor

conditions. Results indicate that the Savonius rotor is not as effective

at extracting the available power from a stream of moving water of a

given cross-section area as a conventional propeller type windmill.

(Author)

Ishii Katsunori et. al. [83] investigated that the efficiency of the

savonius-type windmill is influenced by the bucket shape, the overlap

of it and the bucket number and so on. The savonius-type windmill

used for the experiment is constructed with two J-shaped buckets

and two C-shaped buckets. In this study, it examined the difference

of the windmill power and the starting characteristic by the C-shaped

bucket size in the comparison.

Nambara Yoshitaka et. al. [84] experimented on flow around the

Savonius rotor and Back type Savonius rotor with an aluminum

floating method in an accelerated flow. Results show the starting

 67

characteristic was better at high acceleration. When the Savonius

rotor starting the vortices were generated on the advancing bucket

convex side at θ=135 degrees. The large-scale vortex was generated

on the advancement bucket convex side at θ=90 degrees and it was

separated at θ=135 degrees at the Savonius rotor starting:

Ono Yasushi et. al. [85] Monument-types of savonius wind mills

designed by combining art science and windmill technology are

produced by the production cooperative companies. The "art-oriented"

Savonius windmills have been installed in many public sites such as

museums, schools, stations and sight-seeing spots because of its

good harmony with natural environment and cities. This report shows

a first trial of numerical analysis of flow field around the "art-

oriented" windmill. The numerical method is based on incompressible

Navier-Stokes equations using Lagrangian markers which express the

complex boundary conditions of rotating windmill blades.

Hayashi Tsutomu et. al. [86] designed a new three-stage

Savonius windmill rotor, buckets of which have 120-degree phase

shift between the adjacent stages. The static torque and the dynamic

torque characteristics of the different-phase-type rotor and another

type rotor with no phase shift (same-phase type) were measured by

the wind tunnel experiments and compared. It became clear that the

torque variation of the different-phase type rotor was smoothed and

the characteristic in starting was improved. The influence of twelve

guide vanes that were attached around the rotors was observed in the

torque variation. And the influence was remarkable in low wind

 68

velocity or high rotation states.

Ueno Hiroyuki et. al. [87] studied the revolution of Savonius

rotor influenced by the flow turning to downstream of the rotating

rotor. The flow turning to downstream of a returning rotor is

prevented by the deflecting plate which consists of a long flat plate. As

the returning rotor exist in a separate flow area, the revolution of the

rotor increases. But its revolution is less than when a deflecting plate

is employed. A flat plate is placed near the rotating rotor to reduce the

turning flow. In this case, the revolution of the rotor reduces. When

the flat plate is placed on the returning rotor side, and also placed on

the advancing rotor side, there exists a narrow zone where the

revolution decreases.

B. M. Shaughnessy et. al. [88] developed a relatively high

torque at a low rotational speed for a Savonius rotor. It is cheap to

build, but harnesses only a small fraction of the wind energy incident

upon it. One proposal for augmenting the energy-harnessing

effectiveness was to employ a V-shaped deflector mounted upstream

of the rotor, apex into the wind, so that the air-flow resistance

encountered by the half of the wind-turbine blade advancing (i.e.

moving) into the wind was reduced. By (i) carrying out experimental

tests with the deflector in different positions relative to the rotor, and

(ii) varying the wedge angle between the deflector blades, an optimal

configuration for the particular system tested was determined. With

the optimally pitched deflector set at its optimal location, the rotor

harnessed about 20% more power, compared with the unblocked (i.e.
 69

standard) rotor both for an approximate wind speed of 4 m/sec. Such

a significant improvement, achieved by this simple cheap means,

suggests that the use of the partially blocking wedge is highly

desirable.

Jean-Luc Menet et. al. [89] suggested that the choice of a wind

turbine must not be based only on high efficiency. Usually, wind

sites are equipped with fast-running Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines of

the airscrew type, which has a high efficiency. They proposed a

comparative criterion adapted to the comparison of a horizontal axis

wind turbine with a vertical axis wind turbine: the L–σ criterion. This

criterion consists in comparing wind turbines which intercept the

same front width of wind, by allocating them a same reference value

of the maximal mechanical stress on the blades or the paddles. On

the basis of this criterion, a quantitative comparison points to a clear

advantage of the Savonius rotors, because of their lower angular

velocity, and provides some elements for the improvement of their

rotor.

Chauvin et. al.D. T. Yen Nakafuji, C. P. Van Dam, R. L. Smith

and S. D. Collins [90] used MEM Microtabs for obtaining better

aerodynamic characteristics, results increasing in the section lift

coefficient with a minimal drag penalty. Computational and

experimental wind tunnel results for a representative airfoil using

fixed as well as remotely actuated tabs are compared. The results

presented demonstrate the significant potential for using Microtabs

for active load control.

 70

R. D. Maldonado et. al. [91] the maximum velocity is found to

overlap distance equal to 0.15. With implementation of the R factor in

Savonius wind turbine it can be seen that there is an air flow pass in

the opposite direction to the convex blade this allows a torque at favor

of the movement in Savonius wind turbine, which is obtained an

increase in the moment rotor reached an optimum value for R = 0.15

2.2 USE OF CFD S0FT WARE IN THIS WORK

Computational fluid dynamics is a software tool used to

simulate flow phenomenon of gases and liquids. Modeling software

GAMBIT 2.3.16 and Analysis software Fluent 6.3.26 are used in the

study. It is useful in simulating fluid flow for the determination of

heat and mass transfer coefficients, moving bodies, multiphase

physics, chemical reactions, fluid structure interactions and

acoustics through computer modeling: A vertical prototype of any

system can be built using the simulated results of CFD software.

The CFD software provides the images and information, which predict

the performance of that design. In the present thesis, CFD is used for

the validation test of air velocity from moving blade system.

Variations of other fluid properties such as pressure, intensity of

turbulence etc, are also studied using CFD

2.3 SCOPE OF THE WORK

The present investigation aims at the performance improvement

of vertical axis wind turbine rotor with various reducer angles and

reduced the opposite wind pressure on savonius rotors, of the order

of less than 12 m/sec, which are normally present in India. The wind

turbine should be a self starting device to meet the requirements and

 71

wind velocity fluctuations. As the conventional energies developed by

fossil fuels are becoming costlier day by day, the research activity in

harnessing unconventional renewable energies will be economical and

rewarding: The wind energy production is emission free. The Vertical

Axis Wind Turbine uses simple technology, user-friendly and the

energy supplement benefits will be phenomenal.