energies

Article
Performance Analysis and Structure Optimization of
a Nautilus Isometric Spiral Wind Turbine
Zheng Li 1, * , Wenda Zhang 1 , Hao Dong 1 and Yongsheng Tian 2
1 School of Electrical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China;
zhangwenda@stu.hebust.edu.cn (W.Z.); donghao@stu.hebust.edu.cn (H.D.)
2 Jilantai Town Precision Salt Branch Factory, Azuo Banner 750333, China; yongshengt@126.com
* Correspondence: lizheng@hebust.edu.cn




Received: 22 November 2019; Accepted: 23 December 2019; Published: 25 December 2019


Abstract: Background: This paper proposes a Nautilus isometric spiral vertical axis wind turbine,
which is a new structure, and its aerodynamic performance and power generation performance need
to be analyzed. Methods: A 3D model of the wind turbine was built and its aerodynamic performance
was analyzed. Then the wind turbine power generation and grid-connected simulation platform
was built by MATLAB/SIMULINK, and its power generation performance and subsequent grid
connection were studied. Results: The basic parameters of the wind turbine were obtained. In order
to improve efficiency, parameters such as pressure, torque, wind energy utilization rate and relative
velocity of wind turbines with different blade numbers and different sizes were compared. In addition,
by building a simulation platform for the power generation control system, the power generation
characteristics and grid connection characteristic curves of the generator were obtained. Conclusions:
When the number of blades is three and the ratio between the ellipse major axis and minor axis of
the blade inlet is 0.76, the best efficiency of the wind turbine can be obtained. Application of the
power generation control system used in this paper can achieve grid-connected operation of this
wind turbine. It also confirmed that the Nautilus isometric spiral wind turbine has good performance
and is worthy of in-depth research.

Keywords: vertical axis wind turbine; aerodynamic performance; power generation characteristics

1. Introduction
Wind energy has become the focus of renewable energy research worldwide, and many countries
use wind power as the basis for their long-term plans related to the environment [1,2]. The use of
wind energy mainly depends on wind turbines. There are two types of wind turbines: horizontal axis
wind turbines (HAWT) and vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT). After several decades of research
on HWATs, power generation technology is considered mature and has been widely used in large
power plants. In recent years, VWATs have become the focus of research scholars. VWATs play an
important role in supplementing energy, structural adjustments in the energy industry, and capturing
wind energy in low wind speed areas due to their own advantages [3].
At present, most researchers use numerical simulation methods to analyze the aerodynamic
performance of vertical axis wind turbines. The characteristics of the VWAT were demonstrated
and compared with the HWAT, and the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of wind
turbines were emphasized [4]. In [5], a new dual-rotor wind turbine was proposed, and the effect
of the air boundary layer on the aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine was analyzed by
numerical simulation. Based on the lift line simulation method, the design of the megawatt wind
turbine was completed, and aerodynamic factors were considered in the design process. The effects
of different vertical axis wind turbines on aerodynamic performance during the design process were

Energies 2020, 13, 120; doi:10.3390/en13010120 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2020, 13, 120 2 of 20

studied [6]. References [4–6] carried out an in-depth analysis of the aerodynamic performance of
wind turbines by numerical simulation methods, but these analyses can only provide a general
understanding of the performance parameters of wind turbines, and cannot greatly improve the
performance. In order to improve the wind energy conversion efficiency of vertical axis wind turbines,
some researchers have designed new wind turbines with better performance. In the design process
of wind turbines, the most commonly used design method is numerical simulation, which is the
main application method of this article. In [7], a fish-shaped airfoil vertical axis wind turbine was
proposed, and it was proved by 3D numerical simulation that it has a good aerodynamic performance
curve. The numerical simulation method can be used to explore the influence of a baffled wind wheel
structure on aerodynamic performance, and analyze parameters such as overlap ratio, blade curvature,
baffle length and installation angle. It was confirmed that this structure can indeed improve the wind
energy utilization rate of wind turbines [8]. In [9], an S-type and H-type combined vertical axis wind
turbine was proposed, and the start-up and aerodynamic performance of the combined wind turbine
was analyzed by the CFD method. This combined wind turbine has superior performance than a
single H-type wind turbine, with a maximum wind energy utilization rate of 0.298 [9]. Although the
literature [7–9] proposed a relatively new type of vertical axis wind turbine structure, the structural
parameters of the new wind turbine have not been optimized. The tangential forces generated by
the NACA0012, NACA0015, NACA0018 and NACA0021 airfoil types under different lift-resistance
coefficients were analyzed, which can be used to study the torque performance of the 4-blade Darrieus
rotor type VAWT [10]. The numerical methods were used to study the four trailing edge profiles of the
two-dimensional model, namely acute angles, rounded corners, S-blunt and R-blunt, to verify whether
the performance of the straight blade vertical axis wind turbine was affected when the trailing edge
profiles were different [11]. The literature [10,11] has carried out an in-depth analysis of the airfoil of
wind turbine blades. At present, the research on the airfoil of vertical axis wind turbines is mainly
focused on the research of lift wind turbines, and the research on resistance wind turbines is rare.
Aiming at the problem that the conversion efficiency of the Savonius-type vertical axis wind turbine is
not high, a Savonius wind turbine with elliptical blades was proposed, and analyzed the blade flatness
of Impact of wind turbine wind energy conversion efficiency. The results show that such blades can
greatly improve wind turbine performance [12]. This effect on blade ellipse flatness is one of the factors
affecting the performance of resistance wind turbines, and it is also one of the research focuses in this
paper. In order to understand the effect of pitch angle β on the performance of vertical-axis wind
turbines with straight blades, a two-dimensional numerical analysis of the unsteady k-ω turbulence
model using sliding grid technology was carried out. It is found that the negative angle installation
method can improve the running performance of the wind wheel and increase the power coefficient of
the wind rotor, and the experiment verified the correctness of the results [13]. The effect of the number
of blades on the aerodynamic performance of a wind turbine can be analyzed by the CFD method.
The results show that the change in the number of blades has a great impact on power. When the
number of blades is five, the best wind energy conversion efficiency can be obtained. Reference [13]
optimized the structural parameters of wind turbines, and [14] compared wind turbines with different
blade numbers, but did not comprehensively analyze the optimization analysis of blade numbers and
structural parameters. In [15], a towed vertical axis wind turbine was proposed. The aerodynamic
model was used to analyze the pressure distribution of the blade through three-dimensional numerical
simulation. The optimal vertical axis wind turbine configuration is obtained by comparing the torque
factor and power factor of the blade configuration with differences. At the same time, the performance
of different blade numbers was also analyzed. At the same time, the performance of different numbers
of blades was compared and analyzed, but this article is mainly aimed at Senegalese lift wind turbines.
In [16,17], the in-depth research on wind turbine power generation and grid-connected control systems
was conducted. These studies are also very valuable, but their disadvantage is that they do not target
specific wind turbines.
Energies 2020, 13, 120 3 of 20

This paper introduces a Nautilus isometric spiral vertical axis wind turbine. As a new type
of resistance-type vertical axis wind turbine, there has been little research on this wind turbine.
Combined with the understanding and analysis of the above literatures, the research content of this
article is very extensive, and the specific analysis content is as follows:
First, a 3D wind turbine model is constructed by finite element simulation software.
Basic parameters such as wind energy utilization and torque are analyzed. In order to obtain
higher efficiency, the pressure contour, torque, wind energy utilization rate, relative velocity of the
wind wheel with 2, 3, 4 and 5 blades were studied. After the optimal number of blades was determined,
the structural parameters were further optimized by changing the ratio of the major axis to the minor
axis of the ellipse of the impeller inlet, and comparing the torque, wind energy utilization rate and
relative velocity. Then use MATLAB/SIMULINK to build a mathematical model of the generator
and analyze its power generation characteristics. Finally, the actual power of the wind turbine was
measured by an established wind turbine prototype. By comparing actual data with simulation data,
the effectiveness and feasibility of the Nautilus isometric spiral wind turbine is verified.

2. Wind Turbine Model

2.1. Basic Parameters

According to Newton’s second law [15,18]:

F = ma, (1)

1 2
E=
mv , (2)
2
The above equations are all effective when the mass is constant, but the mass of the wind is an
ever-changing amount with different velocities at different times. Therefore, the dynamic equation of
the wind is:
dE 1 dm 2
P= = v , (3)
dt 2 dt w
dm
Replacing dt in Equation (3) with Equation (4):

dm
= ρAvw , (4)
dt
where ρ is the air density; A is the sweeping area.
The resulting kinetic energy equation is:

dE 1
P= = ρAv3w , (5)
dt 2
The average wind speed vw is substituted for v in Equation (2), and the mechanical power extracted
by the wheel of the wind turbine is:

1
Pw = ρAvw (v2u − v2d ), (6)
2
where vu is the upstream wind speed of the wind turbine, vd is the downstream wind speed of the
wind turbine.
The formula for mass conversion is:

ρA(vu + vd )
ρAvw = , (7)
2
Energies 2020, 13, 120 4 of 20

So Equation (7) can be expressed as:

1 vu v
Pw = [ρA{ (v2u − v2d ) + d (v2u − v2d )}], (8)
2 2 2
1
ρAv3u Cp ,
Pw = (9)
2
The formula for calculating wind energy utilization Cp is:

Pω Tω
Cp = = , (10)
(1/2)ρAvu
3 (1/2)ρAv3u

where Pω is the shaft power of wind turbine, It can be expressed as:

Pω = Tω, (11)

where T is rotor torque, ω is rotor rotational angular velocity.

Torque coefficient Ct and wind energy utilization Cp are important parameters for evaluating
wind turbine performance. The relationship between the two is:

Cp T
Ct = = , (12)
λ (1/2)ρARv2u

where λ is the tip speed ratio, It can be expressed as:

ωR
λ= , (13)
vu

where R is the radius of the wind wheel.

2.2. Modeling, Meshing and Solving

The Nautilus isometric spiral wind turbine is composed of wind wheel, vertical shaft, bearing,
bearing seat, coupling, speed increasing box, generator, controller, battery, inverter, etc. Figure 1a
shows the overall three-dimensional model of the wind turbine, Figure 1b is the three-dimensional
model of the blade, the radial section of the blade is elliptical or symmetrical airfoil or symmetrical
isometric spiral type. When a blade is facing away from the wind, there is exactly one side of the
blade just facing the wind. At this time, the drag coefficient of the windward blade is large, the drag
coefficient of the leeward blade is small, so the thrust generated is large. In addition, the leeward
blades extend to the interior of the windward blades for acceleration and guidance. When the wind
is drawn to the outside of the windward blade, the wind wheel will be rotated with less force [19].
The specific parameters of the wind turbine are listed in Table 1.

Table 1. The specific parameter of the wind turbine.

Parameter Value Parameter Value

Height of the blade 0.3 m Height of shaft 5m
Radius of the blade 0.65 m Radius of shaft 0.2 m
Rated power 300 W Starting wind speed 1.5–2 m/s

The flow field analysis was performed using the Fluent (CFX) module in the ANSYS Workbench by
simulating the operation of the wind turbine in actual operation. This paper focuses on the fluid-solid
coupling and aerodynamics of wind turbine 3D models. Figure 2 is a simulation of the static domain
and rotational domains of the wind turbine flow field, and Figure 3 is the wind turbine fluid domain
boundary setting. The flow field consists of two parts: the static domain and the rotating domain.
where R is the radius of the wind wheel.

2.2. Modeling, Meshing and Solving

The
Energies Nautilus
2020, 13, 120 isometric spiral wind turbine is composed of wind wheel, vertical shaft, bearing, 5 of 20
bearing seat, coupling, speed increasing box, generator, controller, battery, inverter, etc. Figure 1a
shows the overall three-dimensional model of the wind turbine, Figure 1b is the three-dimensional
The static
model domain
of the blade,isthe
theradial
external environment
section in which
of the blade the wind
is elliptical turbine is located,
or symmetrical airfoiland the rotating
or symmetrical
Energies
domain 2020,
is 13, working
the x FOR
FOR PEER
PEER REVIEW
environment in which the wind turbine blades operate. In order to 5 of
simulate ofthe
19
isometric spiral type. When a blade is facing away from the wind, there is exactly one side 5of
Energies 2020, 13, x REVIEW 19
the
environment
blade just facingin which
the wind.the At
windthisturbine is located
time, the as realistically
drag coefficient as possible,blade
of the windward the range of the
is large, thestatic
drag
Table 1.
Table 1. The
The specific
specific parameter
parameter of
of the
the wind
wind turbine.
turbine.
domain should be much larger than the size of the wind turbine, and the range
coefficient of the leeward blade is small, so the thrust generated is large. In addition, the leeward of the rotating domain
is slightly
blades larger
extend to than the
the interiorrotating
of thearea
Parameter ofValue
windwardthe wind blade.
blades for The length of
acceleration
Parameter theValue
and static region
guidance. When in the
theX-axis
wind
direction
is drawn is to8.65
the m, the length
outside
Height of of
the inwindward
the the Y-axis0.3
blade direction
m theisHeight
blade, 3.65 m,
wind the
wheel
of length
will be
shaft inrotated
the
5mZ-axis direction
with is 5.5
less force m,
[19].
and the three axes
The specific parameters of the
Radius rotation
ofof
thethewinddomain
blade turbineare
0.65are both 0.2
m listed m larger
in Table
Radius than
1.
of shaft the rotation
0.2 m range.
Rated power 300 W Starting wind speed 1.5–2 m/s

The flow field analysis was performed using the Fluent (CFX) module in the ANSYS Workbench by
simulating the operation of the wind turbine in actual operation. This paper focuses on the fluid-solid
coupling and aerodynamics of wind turbine 3D models. Figure 2 is a simulation of the static domain and
rotational domains of the wind turbine flow field, and Figure 3 is the wind turbine fluid domain boundary
setting. The flow field consists of two parts: the static domain and the rotating domain. The static domain
is the external environment in which the wind turbine is located, and the rotating domain is the working
environment in which the wind turbine blades operate. In order to simulate the environment in which the
wind turbine is located as realistically as possible, the range of the static domain should be much larger
than the size of the wind turbine, and the range of the rotating domain is slightly larger than the rotating
area of the wind blade. The length of the static region in the X-axis direction is 8.65 m, the length in the Y-
(a)Z-axis direction is 5.5 m, and(b)
axis direction is 3.65 m, the length in the the three axes of the rotation domain
are both 0.2 m larger
Figure
Figure 1. (a)than
(a) The the rotation
The Nautilus range.
Nautilus isometric
isometric spiral
spiral wind
wind turbine
turbine model; (b) The wind blade model.

Figure
Figure 2. The
Figure 2. The static
The static domain
static domain and
domain and rotating
and rotating domain
rotating domain of the
domain of the wind
wind turbines.
turbines.

Figure 3.
Figure 3. Fluid
Fluid domain
Fluid domain boundary setting.
domain boundary setting.

After the
After themodel
modeland
andthe
theflow
flowfield
fieldare
areestablished,
established,thethe meshing
meshing needs
needs to be
to be performed.
performed. During
During the
the division process, the selected mesh type, grid layout and algorithm will directly affect
division process, the selected mesh type, grid layout and algorithm will directly affect the accuracy of the accuracy
of the
the numerical
numerical simulation
simulation results
results [20].[20].
This This
paperpaper
adoptsadopts the automatic
the automatic mesh generation
mesh generation method, method,
which
which is a relatively classic mesh division method in software. For some irregular
is a relatively classic mesh division method in software. For some irregular models, this method usually models, this
method
meets theusually meetsrequirements.
calculation the calculationThe requirements. The whole mesh,
whole is a tetrahedral is a tetrahedral
which hasmesh,
goodwhich has good
adaptability to
adaptability
complex to complex
geometries. geometries.
At the irregularitiesAtofthe irregularities
the model, the gridof the model, the
is relatively gridwhich
dense, is relatively dense,
improves the
calculation accuracy. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of meshing of static domains, rotation domains,
and blades. The grid-independent verification is done to make the final result as accurate as possible.
The wind speed is set to 5 m/s, the outlet static pressure is 0 Pa, and only the number of meshes is
changed to obtain the grid-independent curve. As shown in Figure 5, it can be seen that after the number
Energies 2020, 13, 120 6 of 20

which improves the calculation accuracy. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of meshing of static domains,
rotation domains, and blades. The grid-independent verification is done to make the final result as
accurate
Energies as13,
Energies2020,
2020,possible.
13,x xFOR The
FORPEER
PEER wind speed is set to 5 m/s, the outlet static pressure is 0 Pa, and only
REVIEW
REVIEW 6 6ofthe
of1919
number of meshes is changed to obtain the grid-independent curve. As shown in Figure 5, it can be
seen
of that after
ofmeshes
meshes reaches
reachesthe 800,000,
number of
800,000,the meshes
thetorque reaches
torquevalue 800,000,
valuetends
tends the
totobebe torque
stable,
stable,andvalue
and the tends
resultsto
theresults be stable,
show
show that and the
thatwhen
when the
results
number
number show that when
ofofmeshes
meshes the800,000,
exceeds
exceeds number of
themeshes
800,000,the exceeds
calculation
calculationresult 800,000,
result the calculation result is accurate.
isisaccurate.
accurate.

Figure
Figure4.4.Schematic
Schematicdiagram
Schematic diagramof
diagram ofofmeshing.
meshing.
meshing.

Figure
Figure5.5.Network
Figure Networkindependence
Network independenceverification
independence verificationcurve.
verification curve.
curve.

Figure
Figure shows
Figure6 6shows
showsa asimplified schematic
simplifiedschematic diagram
schematicdiagram ofofwind
diagramof wind turbine
windturbine rotation
turbinerotation as
rotationasasaaaresult
result
resultofofwind
wind
turbines being affected by wind speed. The wind
wind direction
direction is as
as shown
shown in
in Figure
Figure 6.
6. From
From the
thetop
turbines being affected by wind speed. The wind direction is as shown in Figure 6. From the top view,top view,
view,
the
therotation
rotationdirection
directionofofthe bladeisisclockwise.
theblade clockwise.

Figure
Figure6.
Figure 6.6.Rotating
Rotatingschematic.
Rotating schematic.

OnOnthethebasis
basisofofthethecompletion
completionofofthe themeshing,
meshing,the thesetting ofofthe
settingof thesolver also
solveralso has
alsohashasa agreat
greatimpact
impacton on
the
theaccuracy
accuracyofofthe thefinal
finalresult. In
result.In the
Inthe calculation
thecalculation process,
calculationprocess, the
process,the continuous
thecontinuous compression
continuouscompression equation
compressionequationequationandandthe
the
Reynolds
Reynoldsaverage
averageN-S N-Sequation
equationare mainlyapplied.
aremainly applied.TheThe static
Thestatic domain
staticdomain includes
domainincludes
includesthethe flowing
theflowing
flowingairflow
airflowand
and
the
thesupport
supportrod rodofofthe
thewind
windturbine.
turbine.ItItneeds
needstotosimulate
simulatethe
thedirection
directionand andspeed
speedofofthe theairflow
airflowinflow.
inflow.
The
Theinlet
inletisisset
settotothe
thespeed
speedinlet,
inlet,the
themoderate
moderateturbulence,
turbulence,thethewind
windspeed
speedisis1–10
1–10m/s,m/s,andandthe
theoutlet
outletisis
the
thepressure
pressureoutlet.
outlet.TheThevalue
valueisis0.0.The
Thetop
topand
andbottom
bottomofofthe
thestatic
staticdomain
domainare areset
settotowalls,
walls,and
andthe
theleft
left
and
andright
rightsides
sidesareareset
settotobebesymmetrical.
symmetrical.The Therotating
rotatingdomain
domainincludes
includesthe theblades,
blades,the theconnecting
connectingshaft
shaft
and
andthe
theinternal
internalairflow
airflowofofthe thewind
windturbine.
turbine.ItItneeds
needstotosimulate
simulatethe thespeed
speedandanddirection
directionofofthetherotation
rotation
Energies 2020, 13, 120 7 of 20

the support rod of the wind turbine. It needs to simulate the direction and speed of the airflow inflow.
The inlet is set to the speed inlet, the moderate turbulence, the wind speed is 1–10 m/s, and the outlet is
the pressure outlet. The value is 0. The top and bottom of the static domain are set to walls, and the
left and right sides are set to be symmetrical. The rotating domain includes the blades, the connecting
shaft and the internal airflow of the wind turbine. It needs to simulate the speed and direction of
the rotation of the rotor and select the angular velocity of the rotation of the rotating field according
Energies
to 2020, 13,
different TSR x FOR PEER By
(0.1–1). REVIEW
selecting the semi-implicit method (SIMPLE) of the pressure-dependent 7 of 19

equation, the accuracy of the calculation requirements and the fast convergence of the calculation are
(0.1–1). ByThis
achieved. selecting
method theconsiders
semi-implicit method (SIMPLE)
the combination of the pressure-dependent
of the high-order equation,
solution and the upwind the
mode,
accuracy of the calculation requirements and the fast convergence of the calculation are achieved.
so it is very suitable. The specific simulation parameters are shown in Table 2. In addition, the choice This
method considers the combination of the high-order solution and the upwind mode, so it is very
of step size is very critical. If the step size is too short, the calculation result will not converge; the step
suitable. The specific simulation parameters are shown in Table 2. In addition, the choice of step size is
size is too long, the calculation time is prolonged, and a lot of time is wasted. After a lot of calculation
very critical. If the step size is too short, the calculation result will not converge; the step size is too long,
and verification, the model used in this paper achieves the calculation accuracy when the step size
the calculation time is prolonged, and a lot of time is wasted. After a lot of calculation and verification,
reaches 300 steps.
the model used in this paper achieves the calculation accuracy when the step size reaches 300 steps.
Table 2. The solver parameters.
Table 2. The solver parameters.
Reynolds Number Turbulence Model Iterations No. of Meshes Residual Target
Reynolds Number Turbulence Model Iterations No. of Meshes Residual Target
6.0 × 105 Standard k-e model 300 steps 800,000 1.0 × 10–4 –4
6.0 × 105 Standard k-e model 300 steps 800,000 1.0 × 10

2.3. Performance Analysis

2.3. Performance Analysis
In the calculation
In the calculation process,
process, the
the wind
wind speed
speed ofof the inflow airflow
the inflow airflow isis held constant at
held constant at 55 m/s,
m/s, and the
and the
tip speed ratio is changed between 0–1 by changing the corresponding parameters.
tip speed ratio is changed between 0–1 by changing the corresponding parameters. Figure 7 is a tip Figure 7 is a tip
speed ratio-wind energy utilization coefficient curve. As shown in Figure 7, the TSR
speed ratio-wind energy utilization coefficient curve. As shown in Figure 7, the TSR is between 0.1 is between 0.1 and
0.7,
andand withwith
0.7, and the increase of the
the increase ofTSR, the wind
the TSR, energy
the wind utilization
energy rate rate
utilization shows a trend
shows of increasing
a trend first
of increasing
and
first and then decreasing. The wind energy utilization coefficient is maximum when the TSR = 0.4.the
then decreasing. The wind energy utilization coefficient is maximum when the TSR = 0.4. If If
rotational
the rotationalspeed of the
speed wind
of the windturbine is stabilized
turbine at this
is stabilized time,
at this thethe
time, maximum
maximum utilization
utilization efficiency
efficiency of
wind
of wind energy
energycancan
be be
achieved.
achieved.

Tip speed ratio—wind energy utilization curve.

Figure 7. Tip

As shown in
As shown in Figure
Figure 8,
8, by
by setting
settingTSRTSR==0.23,
0.23, vvu == 99 m/s,
m/s, the
the torque
torque coefficient
coefficient comparison
comparison curve
curve
u
of the three blades of the wind turbine in one rotation period can be calculated.
of the three blades of the wind turbine in one rotation period can be calculated. The scatter point The scatter point
in
in Figure 8 is the actual data of the simulation calculation, and the fitting curve drawn
Figure 8 is the actual data of the simulation calculation, and the fitting curve drawn according to the according to
the scatter
scatter diagram
diagram is roughly
is roughly three
three sinusoidal
sinusoidal curves,
curves, fromwhich
from whichititcan
canbe
beconcluded
concludedthatthat the
the three
three
blades
blades always
always have
have oneone blade
blade to
to do
do the
the most
most work.
work. TheThe total
total output
output torque
torque of
of the
the three
three blades
blades of
of the
the
wind turbine is basically stabilized and fluctuates between
wind turbine is basically stabilized and fluctuates between 4.5–5 N m. 4.5–5 N m.
Energies 2020, 13, 120 8 of 20
Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 19

Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 19

Figure
Figure8.
Figure Torque
Torquecomparison
8.8.Torque of
comparison of
comparison three
ofthree blades.
threeblades.
blades.
3. Structural Optimization
3. Structural Optimization
3. Structural Optimization
In order to improve
In order the torque
to improve coefficient
the torque of the wind
coefficient of theturbine and findand
wind turbine thefind
best structural performance
the best structural
In order to improve the torque coefficient of the wind turbine and find the best structural
parameters, this parameters,
performance paper uses this numerical
paper usessimulation
numericaltosimulation
improve to itsimprove
structure. This section
its structure. This changes
section the
performance parameters, this paper uses numerical simulation to improve its structure. This section
number changes the number
of blades and theof blades
ratio ofand
thethe ratio axis
major of thetomajor axis toaxis
the minor the minor
radiusaxis radius
of the bladeof the blade
inlet portion,
changesinletthe number
portion, of blades whether
and determines and the theratio
windof turbine
the major axis to the
performance minor axis radius
is optimized of the blade
and determines whether the wind turbine performance is optimized through through
simulation simulation
calculation.
inlet calculation.
portion, and determines
Figure whether the wind
9a is a three-dimensional turbine
model performance is optimized through simulation
Figure 9a is a three-dimensional model in which theinratio
which
of the
the ratio
major of the major
axis of theaxis of thetoellipse
ellipse the minor
calculation. Figure 9aradius
to the minor is a three-dimensional
of the inlet portion ofmodel in which
(b/a) is the ratio and
of thethemajor axis of the is ellipse
axis radius of theaxis
inlet portion of the blade (b/a)the isblade
constant, andconstant,
the number ofnumber
bladesofisblades
2, 3, 4 and 5,
to the2,minor
3, 4 andaxis radius of theFigure9b
5, respectively. inlet portion of the blade (b/a)
is a three-dimensional is constant,
model in whichand the the number
number of blades
of blades is is
respectively. Figure 9b is a three-dimensional model in which the number of blades is the same, and the
2, 3, 4theand
same, and the ratio ofFigure9b
5, respectively. the major isaxis to the minor axis radius
a three-dimensional modelof theinblade
which inlet portion
the number is 0.38, 0.57
of blades is
ratio of
and
the major
0.76,
axis to the minor axis radius of the blade inlet portion is 0.38, 0.57 and 0.76, respectively.
respectively.
the same, and the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis radius of the blade inlet portion is 0.38, 0.57
and 0.76, respectively.

(a)

(a)

(b)
Figure
Figure 9. (a)9.Wind
(a) Wind turbine
turbine with
with differentnumber
different number of
of blades;
blades;(b)
(b)Wind
Windturbine with
turbine different
with ratio ratio
different of of
majormajor
axis axis to minor
to minor axisaxis of blade
of blade inletsection.
inlet section.
(b)
Figure
Figure 10 is10a ispressure
a pressure distributioncontour
distribution contour ofof the
theblade
bladewhen
when thethe
number
numberof blades is different.
of blades is different.
Figure
The left9.side
(a) is
Wind turbine rotated
the position with different
by 0°,
◦ number
and the of
right blades;
side is (b)
the Wind
positionturbine
rotatedwith
by different
60°. Figure
◦ ratio
10a of
is
The left side is the position rotated by 0 , and the right side is the position rotated by 60 . Figure 10a
major axisshowing
a contour to minorthe axis of blade
pressure inlet section.
distribution of the blade when the number of blades is 2. It can be seen
is a contour showing the pressure distribution of the blade when the number of blades is 2. It can
that in the initial position, the outside of the air inlet is facing the wind, and the inlet and the outlet
be seen that10
Figure
pressure in
areisthe initial at
a pressure
maximum position,
time.the
distribution
this Whenoutside
contour
the windof the
theair
ofturbine inlet
blade
blades is facing
when the
rotate, theinlet
thenumber
air wind, and the
of blades
gradually is inlet and
different.
receives
the
The outlet pressure
left side are maximum
is the position rotated by at 0°,
thisandtime.
the When theiswind
right side turbinerotated
the position blades byrotate, the air10a
60°. Figure inlet
is
gradually receives the incoming air, and the pressure becomes larger. After
a contour showing the pressure distribution of the blade when the number of blades is 2. It can be seenthe wind turbine absorbs
that in the initial position, the outside of the air inlet is facing the wind, and the inlet and the outlet
pressure are maximum at this time. When the wind turbine blades rotate, the air inlet gradually receives
Energies 2020,
2020, 13,
13, 120
x FOR PEER REVIEW 99 of
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19

the incoming air, and the pressure becomes larger. After the wind turbine absorbs the incoming wind,
the incoming
the blades are wind,
facing theaway blades
fromare thefacing
wind, away
and the from the wind,
pressure andsmaller
is much the pressure
than theis much smaller
front of than
the blades.
the front of the blades. Figure 10b is a contour showing the pressure
Figure 10b is a contour showing the pressure distribution of the blade when the number of blades is distribution of the blade when
the number
three. It can beof seen
blades
thatisafter
three.
beingIt can be seen
driven by the that
windafter beingtodriven
energy by athe
rotate for windangle,
certain energy thetoairrotate
inlet
for
will become an air outlet and release unused wind energy. In the initial position and the positionInafter
a certain angle, the air inlet will become an air outlet and release unused wind energy. the
initial position and the position after the rotation of 60 ◦ , there is always an air inlet facing the wind.
the rotation of 60°, there is always an air inlet facing the wind. However, the two-blade wind turbine
However,
has a timethe two-blade
period in which windtheturbine
air inlethas a time away
is facing periodfrom in which the air
the wind, soinlet is facing
the wind awayutilization
energy from the
wind, so the wind energy utilization rate of the three-blade wind turbine
rate of the three-blade wind turbine is superior to that of the two-blade wind turbine. Figure 10c is superior to that of is
thea
two-blade wind turbine.
contour showing the pressureFigure 10c is a contour
distribution of the showing
blade when the the
pressure
number distribution
of blades is offour.
the blade
During whenthe
the number of blades is four. During the rotation of the four-blade
rotation of the four-blade wind turbine, only one air inlet is facing the wind, so the wind energywind turbine, only one air inlet
is facing the
utilization ratewind,
is notsomuch
the windbetterenergy
than theutilization
three-bladerate wind
is not turbine.
much better than the
Compared three-blade
with wind
the three-blade
turbine. Compared
wind turbine, with the
the internal three-blade
pressure of thewind
windturbine, the internal
wheel becomes pressure
smaller of the
due to the wind
largerwheel becomes
internal space.
smaller
Figure 10d is a contour showing the pressure distribution of the blade when the number of blades of
due to the larger internal space. Figure 10d is a contour showing the pressure distribution is
the
five.blade
It canwhen
be seen thethat
number
thereof areblades
two air is inlets
five. Itfacing
can betheseenwind thatatthere are two
the same time,airwhich
inletscan
facing the wind
absorb more
at the same
incoming time,
wind, which
and can absorb
the pressure more
of the incoming
wind wind,
wheel will and theand
increase, pressure
the windof the windsupport
turbine wheel willrod
increase, and the wind turbine
needs to withstand greater pressure. support rod needs to withstand greater pressure.

(a)

(b)

(c)

Figure 10. Cont.

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(d)
(d)
Figure 10. The pressure distribution contour when the number of wind turbine blades is two, three,
four,
Figureand
10.five
Therespectively. (a) The number
pressure distribution
distribution contour
contourof when
blades
when is two;
the (b) The
number number
of wind of blades
turbine bladesis three;
is two,(c) The
three,
(d) the number of wind turbine blades is two, three,
number
four, andoffive
blades is four; (d)
respectively.
respectively. (a)The
Thenumber
numberofofblades
bladesisisfive.
two; (b) The number of blades is three; (c) The
numberFigure 10. Theispressure
of blades distribution
four; (d) The numbercontour when is
of blades thefive.
number of wind turbine blades is two, three,
Figurefour,
11andis afive respectively.curve
comparison (a) Theof number
torque of blades is two;by
generated (b)one
The number
rotationof period
blades iswhen
three; (c)
theThe
number of
Figurenumber
11 is of
a blades is
comparison four; (d) The
curve number
of torque of blades is
generated five. by one rotation period when the number of
blades of the wind turbine is different. As shown in Figure 11, the torque of the two-blade wind turbine
blades
is of the
the smallest, windand turbine
the is different.
torque of curve
the otherAs shown
shown in
in Figure
Figure
threegenerated
cases hasby11, therotation
aone
smalltorque of thein
difference two-blade
torque. wind turbine
Figure 12 is a
Figure 11 is a comparison of torque period when the number of
is theblades
smallest,
comparison curve and ofthe torque
wind energyof the other
utilization threeratecases
when has thea small
numberdifference
of blades
of the wind turbine is different. As shown in Figure 11, the torque of the two-blade wind turbine in
in torque.
torque.
is Figure
different. From 12 is
thea
comparison
comparison
graph isof curve
thewindcurve of
energy
smallest, of wind
andwind energy
energy
utilization
the torque utilization
utilization
coefficient,
of rate
the other three when
it rate when
cancases
be the
seen number
hasthe
athat of
number blades is
of blades
thedifference
small maximum different. From
is different.
wind
in torque. energy
Figure 12 the
From graph
is a the
utilization
of wind
graph ofenergy
coefficient wind utilization
energy
of three-blade
comparison curve of coefficient,
utilization
windto five-blade
energy itutilization
can
coefficient,is be itseen
higher,ratethat
can be
when the
butseen the maximum
thethat
duration
number wind
the maximum
of energy
ofblades
the iswind
maximumutilization
energy
different. wind
From coefficient
utilization
energy
the
of three-blade
coefficient
utilization to five-blade
graph coefficient
of
of wind energy
three-blade is
tohigher,
utilization
five-blade
of five-blade but
andthe is duration
coefficient, it can be
higher,
four-blade of
but
lessthe
seen themaximum
that
than wind
the maximum
duration of the
three-blade energy
wind
(the utilization
energy
maximum
range coefficient
ofutilization
wind
usable energy
wind
of coefficient
five-blade
utilization
speeds and of three-blade
four-blade to
less five-blade
than is
three-bladehigher, (thebut the
range duration
of usable
coefficient of five-blade and four-blade less than three-blade (the range of usable wind
is smaller). of the
wind maximum
speeds is wind
smaller).energy
speeds utilization
is smaller).coefficient of five-blade and four-blade less than three-blade (the range of usable wind
speeds is smaller).
12
two blades
12 three blades
10 12 two blades
four blades
two blades
three blades
10 10 five
three blades
blades
(N·m)

four blades
8 four blades
fivefive blades
blades
(N·m)
Torque (N·m)

8 8
6
Torque

6 6
Torque

4
4 4
2
2
2
0
0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Rotating angle (°)
Rotating angle (°)
Rotating angle (°)
Figure
Figure 11.
11. Torque
Figure Torque comparison
comparison
11. Torque curve
curvewhen
curve
comparison whenthe
when the number
the numberofof
number blades
ofblades
bladesis is
is two,
two,
two, three,
fourfour
three,
three, andand
four five.five.
and five.
Figure 11. Torque comparison curve when the number of blades is two, three, four and five.
utilizationCpCp
Wind energy utilization Cp

five blades
five blades
four
fourblades
blades
0.2 0.2 five blades
three blades
three blades
four blades
0.2
utilization

two blades
two
threeblades
blades
two blades
0.1
energy

0.1
energy

0.1
Wind

0.0
Wind

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0

0.0
0.0 0.2
0.0 Tip0.4
speed ratio0.6
λ 0.8 1.0
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
Figure 12. Comparisoncurve
curveof
of wind Tiputilization
speed ratio λnumber of blades is two, three, four
Figure 12. Comparison windenergy
energy when
utilization the
when the number of blades is two, three,
and five. Tip speed ratio λ
four and five.
Figure 12. Comparison curve of wind energy utilization when the number of blades is two, three, four
and five.
Figure 12. Comparison curve of wind energy utilization when the number of blades is two, three, four
and five.
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PEER REVIEW
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11 of
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19

The wind
The wind turbine hopes that the rotation speed is high, and a high wind energy utilization
The wind turbine
turbine hopes
hopes thatthat the
the rotation
rotation speed
speed isis high,
high, andand aa high
high wind
wind energy
energy utilization
utilization coefficient
coefficient
coefficient
can can be obtained in a wide range of wind speeds, that is, it can work inofablade
widetip
range of
can be obtained in a wide range of wind speeds, that is, it can work in a wide range of blade tip speed
be obtained in a wide range of wind speeds, that is, it can work in a wide range speed
blade tip
ratios speed ratios and operate at a suitablespeed.
high rotation 13 speed. Figure 13 is a comparison curve of
ratios and
and operate
operate at at aa suitable
suitable highhigh rotation
rotation speed. Figure
Figure 13 is is aa comparison
comparison curve curve of of relative
relative flow
flow
relative flow
velocity velocity with the wind turbine asand
the the
origin and theflowincoming flowasdirection as the X axis.
velocity with the wind turbine as the origin and the incoming flow direction as the X axis. It can be
with the wind turbine as the origin incoming direction the X axis. It can be
It canfrom
seen be seen from the figure that the two-blade wind turbine the absorbs the least amount of wind energy,
seen from the the figure
figure that
that the
the two-blade
two-blade windwind turbine
turbine absorbs
absorbs the leastleast amount
amount of of wind
wind energy,
energy, so so that
that
so that
the the utilization of wind is energy is the smallest; the five-blade wind turbine absorbs the most wind
the utilization
utilization ofof wind
wind energy
energy is thethe smallest;
smallest; the
the five-blade
five-blade wind wind turbine
turbine absorbs
absorbs the
the most
most wind
wind energy,
energy,
energy,
resulting resulting in the highest pressure and has a greater impact on the downstream wake region;
resulting inin the
the highest
highest pressure
pressure and and has
has aa greater
greater impact
impact on on the
the downstream
downstream wake wake region;
region; thethe relative
relative
the relative
velocity velocity of the four-blade wind turbine fluctuates, and the available wind speed range is
velocity ofof the
the four-blade
four-blade wind wind turbine
turbine fluctuates,
fluctuates, and
and thethe available
available wind
wind speed
speed range
range isis relatively
relatively Small,
Small,
relatively Small,
consistent consistentanalysis
with the aboveof analysis results of pressureand profile, torque, and wind energy
consistent with
with the
the above
above analysis resultsresults of pressure
pressure profile,
profile, torque,
torque, and wind wind energy
energy utilization.
utilization. The
The
utilization.
analysis The analysis ofenergy
torque,utilization
wind energy utilization and relative velocity is consistent with the
analysis of torque, wind energy utilization and relative velocity is consistent with the analysis of
of torque, wind and relative velocity is consistent with the analysis of
analysis
pressure of pressure contours, so a three-blade wind be turbine canfor be selectedperformance.
for optimal performance.
pressure contours,
contours, so so aa three-blade
three-blade wind wind turbine
turbine can
can be selected
selected for optimal
optimal performance.

1.0
1.0

0.8
0.8
V/V00

0.6
0.6
V/V

two
two blades
blades
0.4
0.4 three
three blades
blades
four
four blades
blades
0.2
0.2 five
five blades
blades
0.0
0.0
-2
-2 00 22 44 66 88

Distance(X)/m
Distance(X)/m
Figure
Figure 13.
Figure 13. Relative
13. Relativevelocity
Relative velocitycomparison
velocity comparison curve
comparison curve when
when the
the number
number of
of blades
blades is
is two,
two, three,
three, four
four and five.
and five.
five.

The
The cross
cross section
section of of the
the air
air inlet
inlet of of the
the blade
blade isis an
an ellipse.
ellipse. After
After determining
determining the the optimal
optimal number
number
of
of blades,
blades, the
the ratio
ratio of
of the
the size
size of the
of the
the airair inlet,
air inlet, whether
inlet, whether it
whether it has
it has an
has an impact
an impact on
impact on the
on the utilization
the utilization of
utilization of wind
of wind energy
wind energy
energy
is question be considered. Figure 14 shows the torque obtained
is the next question to be considered. Figure 14 shows the torque obtained by rotating the blade one
the next to Figure 14 shows the torque obtained by
by rotating
rotating the
the blade
blade one
cycle
cycle when
whenthe
when theb/a
the b/a
b/ais is
different
is different
differentfor for
the
for three-blade
the
the three-bladewindwind
three-blade turbine.
wind The length
turbine.
turbine. The of the major
The length
length of theaxis
of the is constant
major
major axis
axis isis
and the
constant length
and theof the
length minor
of axis
the is
minor increased.
axis is The values
increased. Theof b/a are
values chosen
of b/a
constant and the length of the minor axis is increased. The values of b/a are chosen to be 0.38, 0.57 are to be
chosen0.38,to0.57
be and
0.38, 0.76,
0.57
respectively.
and
and 0.76, As shownAs
0.76, respectively.
respectively. Asinshown
Figurein
shown 14,Figure
in as the14,
Figure ratio
14, as of the
as the
the ratiomajor
ratio of axis
of the
the to the
major
major axisminor
axis to
to the
theaxis of the
minor
minor axis
axisairof
ofinlet
the
the
increases,
air
air inlet the torque
inlet increases,
increases, the
theoftorque
the wind
torque of turbine
of the
the wind
wind increases
turbine proportionally,
turbine increases indicating that
increases proportionally,
proportionally, the value
indicating
indicating thatofthe
that b/avalue
the has a
value
great
of b/aimpact
of b/a has on the
has aa great
great performance
impact
impact on
on the of the wind turbine,
the performance
performance of
of the and itturbine,
the wind
wind was decided
turbine, and itto
and it was
waschoose the wind
decided
decided to bladethe
to choose
choose at
the
b/a
wind = 0.76.
wind blade
blade atat b/a
b/a == 0.76.
0.76.
12
12

10
10
(N·m)
Torque(N·m)

88

66
Torque

44
b/a=0.38
b/a=0.38
22 b/a=0.57
b/a=0.57
b/a==0.76
b/a==0.76
00
00 50
50 100
100 150
150 200
200 250
250 300
300 350
350

Rotating
Rotating angle
angle (°)
(°)
Figure
Figure 14. Torque comparison curve with
with different
different ratios of the major axis to the minor axis.
Figure 14.
14. Torque
Torque comparison
comparison curve
curve with different ratios of
ratios of the
the major
major axis
axis to
to the
the minor
minor axis.
axis.

In
In order
order to
to verify
verify the
the accuracy
accuracy ofof the
the above
above analysis,
analysis, aa comparison
comparison curve
curve of
of wind
wind energy
energy utilization
utilization
ratio
ratio and
and relative
relative flow
flow velocity
velocity with
with different
different b/a
b/a values
values were
were calculated,
calculated, and
and the
the comparison
comparison curves
curves
are
are shown in Figures 15 and 16. It can be seen that when b/a = 0.38, the wind energy utilization rate
shown in Figures 15 and 16. It can be seen that when b/a = 0.38, the wind energy utilization rate
Energies 2020, 13, 120 12 of 20

In order to verify the accuracy of the above analysis, a comparison curve of wind energy utilization
ratio and relative flow velocity with different b/a values were calculated, and the comparison curves
Energies 2020,
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13, xx FOR
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19
Energies
are shown in Figures 15 and 16. It can be seen that when b/a = 0.38, the wind energy utilization 12 rate
of the wind turbine is significantly smaller than the other two cases. When b/a = 0.57, although the
of the
of the wind
wind turbine
turbine isis significantly
significantly smaller
smaller than
than the
the other
other two
two cases.
cases. When
When b/a b/a == 0.57,
0.57, although
although the
the
wind energy utilization rate at low tip speed ratio is greater than the wind energy utilization rate at
wind energy
wind energy utilization
utilization rate
rate at
at low
low tip
tip speed
speed ratio
ratio is
is greater
greater than
than the
the wind
wind energy
energy utilization
utilization rate
rate at
at
b/a = 0.76, it can be seen that the maximum wind energy utilization rate at b/a = 0.76 is much larger
b/a = 0.76, it can be seen that the maximum wind energy utilization rate at b/a =
b/a = 0.76, it can be seen that the maximum wind energy utilization rate at b/a = 0.76 is much larger0.76 is much larger
than the other two situations, and its maximum wind energy utilization rate has a wide range of
than the
than the other
other two two situations,
situations, and
and its
its maximum
maximum windwind energy
energy utilization
utilization rate
rate has
has aa wide
wide range
range ofof
available wind speeds.
available wind
available wind speeds. speeds.

0.30
0.30
b/a=0.38
Cp

b/a=0.38
utilization Cp

0.25
0.25 b/a=0.57
b/a=0.57
b/a=0.76
energyutilization

b/a=0.76
0.20
0.20

0.15
0.15
Windenergy

0.10
0.10

0.05
0.05
Wind

0.00
0.00
0.0
0.0 0.1
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.3
0.3 0.4
0.4 0.5
0.5 0.6
0.6 0.7
0.7
Tip speed
Tip speed ratio
ratio λ
λ

Figure 15. Comparison

Figure Comparison curve of
Comparison curve of wind
wind energy
energy utilization
utilization with
with different
different ratios
ratios of
of the
the major
major axis
axis to
to the
the
minor axis.
minor axis.

1.0
1.0
0.8
0.8
V/V00

0.6
0.6 b/a=0.38
b/a=0.38
V/V

b/a=0.57
b/a=0.57
0.4
0.4 b/a=0.76
b/a=0.76
0.2
0.2
0.0
0.0
-2
-2 00 22 44 66 88
Distance(X)/m
Distance(X)/m
Figure
Figure 16.
Figure16. Relative
16.Relative velocity
Relativevelocity
velocitycomparison
comparison curve
curve
comparison with
with
curve different
different
with ratios
ratios
different of the
of
ratios the major
major
of the axisaxis
axis
major to the
to the minor
to minor axis.axis.
axis.
the minor

It can
It can also
also be
be seen
seen from
from the
the relative
relative velocity
velocity comparison
comparison curve
curve shown
shown inin Figure
Figure 15
15 that b/a =
that b/a == 0.76
0.76
absorbs
absorbs the most wind energy,
energy, b/a
b/a =
=
energy, b/a = 0.57 takes the second
second place,
place, and
and b/a
b/a =
= 0.38 absorbs the least wind
= 0.38 absorbs the least wind
energy. Based on
energy. Based
energy. on the
the above
above analysis,
analysis, it
it is
is reasonable
reasonable to
to select b/a =
select b/a == 0.76.
0.76.

4. Wind
4. Wind Turbine Simulation
Simulation Platform
Turbine Simulation Platform and
Platform and Experimental
and Experimental Research
Experimental Research
Research

4.1. Wind
4.1. Wind Turbine
Turbine Simulation Platform
Simulation Platform
Platform
4.1. Wind Turbine Simulation
In order
In order toto ensure
to ensure that
ensure that the
that the Nautilus
the Nautilus isometric
Nautilus isometric spiral
isometric spiral wind
spiral wind turbine
wind turbine can
turbine can be
can be applied
be applied to
applied to the
to the actual
the actual
actual
In order
power
power plant,
plant, the
the power
power generation
generation characteristics of
characteristics of the
the generator
generator are
are tested
tested by
by MATLAB
MATLAB combined
combined
power plant, the power generation characteristics of the generator are tested by MATLAB combined
with the
with the flow
the flow field
field simulation
flow field simulation software. Figure
software. Figure 17
Figure 17 is
is aaa system
17 is system
system block
block diagram.
diagram.
with simulation software. block diagram.
Energies 2020, 13, 120 13 of 20
Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 19

Figure 17. System

System block
block diagram.
diagram.

The dynamic
dynamic equation
equationof
ofthe
thevertical
verticalaxis
axiswind
windturbine
turbineshaft
shafttotodrive
drivethe
thegenerator
generatorrotor
rotorisis[21–24]:
[21–24]:

dw
T T− −TT = Jdw
0 0= J dt, (14)
dt ,
where TTis the wind
is the turbine
wind output
turbine torque;
output torque; T0 resistance
T0 is the torque; Jtorque;
is the resistance J is the
is the moment inertia; wof
of moment is
inertia; w isvelocity
the angular of rotation.
the angular velocity of rotation.
In the generator model, ififthe
In the generator model, thecenter
centerline
line
ofof the
the permanent
permanent magnet
magnet rotor
rotor is the
is the d-axis,
d-axis, the the q-axis
q-axis is
is 90°
90 ◦ ahead of the rotor rotation direction. The mathematical model of the d-axis and q-axis is as follows:
ahead of the rotor rotation direction. The mathematical model of the d-axis and q-axis is as follows:

dψ
dψ sdsd
usdusd= = isd−−wwe eψψsqsq,
++RRs issd (15)
dtdt ,
dψsq
usq = dψ sq+ Rs isq − we ψsd , (16)
u sq = dt + Rs isq − weψ sd (16)
dt
uTe = 1.5p(φsd isq − φsq isd ), , (17)

e = 1.5 p(ϕsd isd

where Rs is the stator winding phaseuT u , −uϕsd is the motor terminal voltage d, q axis
sqisd )
resistance;
sq (17)
component; ψsd , ψsq is the d, q axis component of the stator flux linkage; , isd , isq is the stator current d,
where Rs is the statorwwinding
q axis component; e is the electrical
phase resistance; usd , usd isp the
angular velocity; is the number
motor terminalof generator
voltage d,rotor q axispole pairs.
component;
ψ sd ,ψ sq is the d, q axis component of the stator flux linkage; isd , isq is the stator current d, q built
Figure 18 is a simulation system of the wind power generation and grid-connection process
axis
according to the block diagram of Figure 17. In the simulation module, parameters such as wind
component; we is the electrical angular velocity; p is the number of generator rotor pole pairs. curve
speed and wind turbine radius are input, and the generator power generation characteristic
shown Figure 18 is a19simulation
in Figure is obtained. system of the windtime
The simulation poweris setgeneration
to 2 s, andand grid-connection
Figure 19a is the torque process built
curve of
according to the block diagram of Figure 17. In the simulation module,
the generator, Figure 19b is the generator speed curve, Figure 19c is the generator rotor angle curve, parameters such as wind
speed and wind
and Figure 19d isturbine radius are
the generator input,
current and the
curve. generator
If you want to power
convert generation
wind energy characteristic curve
into electricity
shown in Figuregrid
in the national 19 isfor
obtained.
users toThe simulation
use, firstly, it time
needs is to
setconvert
to 2 s, andtheFigure19a
alternating is the torque
current curve
into of
direct
the generator, Figure19b is the generator speed curve, Figure 19c is the generator
current through the rotor-side inverter and send it to the national grid side through the direct current rotor angle curve,
and Figure 19d
transmission is the The
system. generator
DC power current curve. If you
transmission wantisto
process convert
a key part wind
of it. Toenergy
ensure into
theelectricity
accuracy inof
the national grid for users to use, firstly, it needs to convert the alternating
this link, the DC voltage of the transmission process is measured in the simulation model of Figure 20. current into direct current
through
Since thethe rotor-side
user’s inverter
electricity is AC,and sendpower
the DC it to obtained
the national grid
by the side through
national the direct into
grid is converted current
AC
transmission system. The DC power transmission process is a key part
power for users to use after DC/AC conversion and grid-side inverter control. Figure 20a shows of it. To ensure the accuracy of
this link, the DC voltage of the transmission process is measured in the
the DC voltage curve measured by the direct link, and Figure 20b shows the AC power for the user simulation model of Figure 20.
Since the user's electricity
after rectification. As shown is AC, the DC
in Figure 20,power
after theobtained by the is
wind turbine national
rectified,gridtheisvoltage
converted andinto AC
current
power for users
oscillations to useand
are small, aftertheDC/AC conversion
electrical energy fed andback grid-side
to the inverter
grid willcontrol.
not cause Figure
a large20aimpact.
shows the
DC voltage curve measured by the direct link, and Figure 20b shows the AC power for the user after
rectification. As shown in Figure 20, after the wind turbine is rectified, the voltage and current
oscillations are small, and the electrical energy fed back to the grid will not cause a large impact.
 Energies
Energies 2020,
2020, 13, 120 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 19
14 of 20

Figure 18. System block diagram.

Figure 18. System block diagram.

(a)
Energies 2020, 13, 120 15 of 20
Figure 18. System block diagram.

(a)

(b)

Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 19

(c)

(d)
Figure 19. System
System block
block diagram.
diagram. (a)
(a)The
Thetorque
torque curve;
curve; (b)
(b)The
Thespeed
speedcurve;
curve; (c)
(c)The
Therotor
rotor angle
angle curve;
curve;
(d) The current curve.
 (d)

EnergiesFigure 19.120
2020, 13, System block diagram. (a) The torque curve; (b) The speed curve; (c) The rotor angle curve;
16 of 20
(d) The current curve.

(a)

(b)
Figure20.
Figure Theparameters
20. The parameters incorporated
incorporated intogrid
into the theprocess.
grid process
(a) The. DC
(a) The DC incorporated
voltage voltage incorporated
into the
into process;
grid the grid (b)
process; (b)current
The AC The ACfor
current for the user.
the user.

4.2.
4.2. Experimental
Experimental Verification
Verification
According
Accordingtoto thethecalculation results
calculation above,above,
results the prototype of the corresponding
the prototype structural parameters
of the corresponding structural
was fabricated to verify the accuracy of the simulation system, the Nautilus isometric
parameters was fabricated to verify the accuracy of the simulation system, the Nautilus isometric spiral wind
turbine was installed in the relatively empty area of Alashan, Inner Mongolia. Figure
spiral wind turbine was installed in the relatively empty area of Alashan, Inner Mongolia. Figure 21a 21a shows
the
showswindtheturbine prototype
wind turbine runningrunning
prototype process process
at a certain
at amoment, the diameter
certain moment, of the wind
the diameter turbine
of the wind
isturbine
1.3 m.isFigure 21b is a comparison curve between measured power and simulated
1.3 m. Figure 21b is a comparison curve between measured power and simulated power. power. It canIt
be
can be seen from the figure that as the wind speed increases, the output power curve obtained bythe
seen from the figure that as the wind speed increases, the output power curve obtained by the
simulation system is larger than the power measured by the prototype. The reason
simulation system is larger than the power measured by the prototype. The reason for this may befor this may be due
to
duethetowind turbine
the wind itself (power
turbine loss) and
itself (power environmental,
loss) wind speed,
and environmental, wind air quality
speed, and other
air quality andfactors.
other
These uncontrollable factors are neglected in the simulation study, so there is a certain deviation
is reasonable. Moreover, the simulated flow field is ideal. The prototype flow field is affected by
complicated factors such as surrounding buildings, which makes the simulation flow field and the
actual environment have certain differences, so it is acceptable to have a difference between the
simulation result and the actual result.
factors. These uncontrollable factors are neglected in the simulation study, so there is a certain
deviation is reasonable. Moreover, the simulated flow field is ideal. The prototype flow field is
affected by complicated factors such as surrounding buildings, which makes the simulation flow field
and the2020,
Energies actual environment have certain differences, so it is acceptable to have a difference between
13, 120 17 of 20
the simulation result and the actual result.

(a)
500
simulation
experiment
400
Power(W)

300

200

100

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Velocity (m/s)
(b)
Figure
Figure 21.
21.(a)
(a)Wind
Windturbine
turbineprototype;
prototype;(b)
(b)Comparison
Comparisoncurve
curveofofmeasured
measuredpower
powerand simulated
and power.
simulated power.

5. Discussion
5. Discussion
The attention
The attentiontoto vertical
vertical axisaxis
windwind turbines
turbines has gradually
has gradually increased.
increased. How to the
How to improve improve the
utilization
utilization rate of wind energy and solve the control problems and automatic
rate of wind energy and solve the control problems and automatic start problems has become the focus start problems has
become
of the focus
researchers. of researchers.
In order to improveIn theorder to improve
utilization of wind theenergy
utilization of wind
and solve energy and
the problem solve the
of automatic
problem of automatic startup, some researchers have proposed new vertical axis
startup, some researchers have proposed new vertical axis wind turbine models, and some researchers wind turbine models,
and some
have researchers
analyzed have analyzed
the aerodynamic the aerodynamic
performance performance
of wind turbines of windthe
to optimize turbines
originaltowind
optimize the
turbine
original wind turbine Structure [7–9,25–27]. Some researchers have also focused
Structure [7–9,25–27]. Some researchers have also focused on the difficulty of controlling vertical axis on the difficulty
of controlling
wind turbines.vertical
By studyingaxis wind turbines.
the power By studying
generation the power
characteristics generation
of the generatorcharacteristics
control system ofand
the
generator control
improving system
the control and improving
method, the control
the wind energy method,efficiency
conversion the windisenergy conversion
improved, and theefficiency
generated is
improved, and the generated electric energy is incorporated into the national power
electric energy is incorporated into the national power grid [21–24,28–31]. This article draws on the grid [21–24,28–31].
This article
essence draws
of the on the
above twoessence
ideas. of the above
First, a newtwo ideas. isometric
Nautilus First, a new Nautilus
helical windisometric
turbine helical wind
structure is
turbine structure is proposed. Then, by analyzing the aerodynamic performance,
proposed. Then, by analyzing the aerodynamic performance, the blade number and blade size are the blade number
and blade size
improved. Thisare improved.
article draws This
on thearticle draws
essence on the
of the essence
above two of the above
ideas. A newtwo ideas. isometric
Nautilus A new Nautilus
spiral
isometric
wind spiralstructure
turbine wind turbinewas structure
proposed. was
Byproposed.
analyzingBythe analyzing the aerodynamic
aerodynamic performance,performance, the
the impeller
impeller structure parameters (blade number and blade size) were improved,
structure parameters (blade number and blade size) were improved, and the wind energy conversion and the wind energy
conversionwas
efficiency efficiency
improved. was Then,
improved. Then,up
by setting byasetting
powerup a power generation
generation and grid
and grid control controlthe
platform, platform,
entire
the entire basic process from wind energy to grid
basic process from wind energy to grid connection was realized. connection was realized.
Because this wind turbine is a new type of structure and it has high analytical value, this article is
only a relatively basic study, and there are many more studies that can be carried out in the future.
If this kind of wind turbine is to be applied in practice, it needs to be researched as follows:
Energies 2020, 13, 120 18 of 20

First of all, the structural mechanics of the blades and support rods and the stability of the
foundation need to be analyzed. Such studies have been widely proposed in the literature [32–37].
Besides, the wake effects of wind turbines need to be analyzed to determine whether they can be
applied to wind farms. Such studies have been widely proposed in the literature [2,38].

6. Conclusions
In this paper, a three-dimensional model of the Nautilus isometric spiral wind turbine is established,
and the simulation software is used for calculation and research. The basic performance parameters
such as the wind energy utilization rate and torque of the wind turbine are discussed. On this basis,
in order to achieve the optimal design of the Nautilus equidistant spiral wind turbine, two optimization
schemes (the number of blades are two, three, four, five and the ratios of the major axis of the ellipse to
the minor axis radius of the blade are 0.38, 0.57, 0.76). After comparing parameters such as pressure
profile, torque, wind energy utilization and relative speed when the number of blades is different,
the optimal number of blades is determined to be three. After comparing parameters such as torque,
wind energy utilization, and relative velocity when the blade inlet size is different, the optimal size is
determined to be 0.76. The conclusion is that when the number of blades is three and the ratio of the
major axis of the ellipse to the minor axis radius of the blade is 0.76, the best performance of this wind
turbine can be obtained. In addition, according to the mathematical model of the generator, a simulation
platform for power generation and grid-connected control systems was set up. The power generation
characteristics of the generator, the grid-connected transmission process, and the stability of the user’s
electricity were analyzed. Finally, by constructing a wind turbine prototype, the actual power of the
wind turbine was measured and compared with the measured power in the simulation, which verified
the feasibility and effectiveness of the wind turbine and its subsequent power generation system.

Author Contributions: Writing—review and editing, supervision, project administration, funding acquisition,
Z.L.; methodology, ANSYS software, writing—original draft preparation, W.Z.; MATLAB software, data curation,
H.D.; validation, Y.T. All authors have read and agree to the published version of the manuscript. All authors
have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, grant No. 51577048,
51877070, the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province of China, grant No. E2018208155, the Talent
Engineering Training Support Project of Hebei Province of China, grant No. A201905008, the National Engineering
Laboratory of Energy-saving Motor & Control Technique, Anhui University, grant No. KFKT201901, Hebei Province
Higher Education Science and Technology Research Key Project, grant No. ZD2018228.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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