water
Article
Performance Improvement of a Drag Hydrokinetic Turbine
Mabrouk Mosbahi 1,2 , Mariem Lajnef 1 , Mouna Derbel 3 , Bouzid Mosbahi 4 , Costanza Aricò 5, * ,
Marco Sinagra 5 and Zied Driss 1






Citation: Mosbahi, M.; Lajnef, M.;
Derbel, M.; Mosbahi, B.; Aricò, C.;
Sinagra, M.; Driss, Z. Performance
Improvement of a Drag Hydrokinetic
Turbine. Water 2021, 13, 273.
https://doi.org/10.3390/w13030273
Academic Editor:
Majid Mohammadian
Received: 11 January 2021
Accepted: 21 January 2021
Published: 23 January 2021
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Copyright: © 2021 by the authors.
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This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Water 2021, 13, 273. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13030273
1 Laboratory of Electro-Mechanic Systems (LASEM), National School of Engineers of Sfax (ENIS),
University of Sfax, B.P. 1173, km 3.5 Soukra, Sfax 3038, Tunisia; mabrouk.mosbahi@gmail.com (M.M.);
mariem.lajnef@enis.tn (M.L.); zied.driss@enis.tn (Z.D.)
2 Higher National Engineering School of Tunis (ENSIT), University of Tunis, Avenue Taha Hussein Montfleury,
Tunis 1008, Tunisia
3 Advanced Materials Laboratory, National School of Engineers of Sfax (ENIS), University of Sfax,
B.P. 1173, km 3.5 Soukra, Sfax 3038, Tunisia; mounaderbel@enis.tn
4 Higher Institute for Technological Studies of Sidi Bouzid, Sidi Bouzid 9100, Tunisia;
mosbahi.bouzid.etud@fss.usf.tn
5 Department of Civil, Environmental, Aerospace and Materials Engineering (DICAM), University of Palermo,
Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; marco.sinagra@unipa.it
* Correspondence: costanza.arico@unipa.it
Abstract: Hydropower is at present in many locations, among all the other possible renewable energy
sources, the best one for net cost per unit power. In contrast to traditional installation, based on water
storage in artificial basins, free flow river turbines also provide a very low environmental impact
due to their negligible effect on solid transport. Among them, kinetic turbines with vertical axis are
very inexpensive and have almost zero impact on fish and local fauna. In application to tidal waves
and sea waves, where vertically averaged velocities have alternate direction, a Savonius rotor also
has the advantage of being productive during the whole time cycle. In this work, the effect of an
upstream deflector system mounted upstream of a twisted Savonius rotor inside a channel has been
investigated through numerical simulations and experimental tests. Numerical simulations were
carried on using the ANSYS FLUENT 17.0 software. Based on this numerical study, it is shown that
the proposed deflector system has improved the power coefficient of the Savonius rotor by 14%. The
utilization of this new design system is predicted to contribute towards a more efficient use of flows
in rivers and channels for electricity production in rural areas.
Keywords: Savonius rotor; kinetic turbines; water flow deflector; CFD analysis
1. Introduction
The harvesting of hydrokinetic energy from river streams and small irrigation channels
has recently become an important source of renewable energy [1], even in the case of low
speed water flow [2–4]. The twisted Savonius water turbine is ranked as a drag-type of
vertical axis water turbine, which can rotate at low speed water flow, starting from any
position of the blades. The original design is made with two cylindrical half-circular blades
bound to a rotating shaft using bearings [5]. The difference between the drag force applied
on the concave and on the convex side of its blades results in a net torque, which remains
almost constant during rotation if a twisted shape is adopted in the axis direction instead of
a cylindrical one. Its simple structure makes it easy to be installed in an irrigation channel
or even in a river.
Many efforts have been made to boost the efficiency of the Savonius water turbine.
In fact, several geometrical parameters such as the overlap ratio, the aspect ratio, the
number of blades and stages and the form of the blades were optimized to improve the
performance characteristics, mainly the torque and the power coefficients. In addition,
various augmentation techniques, such as the use of deflector plates, a guiding box, nozzles
and curtain design, were also investigated with the intention of performance improvement.
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/water
Water 2021, 13, 273 2 of 23

The aspect ratio (Ar) is defined as the ratio between the rotor height and its diameter.
Studies by Alexander et al. [6], Saha et al. [7], and Kamoji [8] were carried out for different
Reynolds numbers to study its effect on a single stage (Ar = 1.0), two stage (Ar = 1.0 and
Ar = 2.0) and three stage (Ar = 1.0 and Ar = 3.0) classical Savonius rotor. A higher aspect
ratio improves the torque coefficient, but it reduces the rotational speed because of the
structural larger volume. However, it is possible to improve the efficiency of a lower aspect
ratio rotor with the addition of end plates. Jeon et al. [9] studied the effect of upper and
lower end plates addition, with different shapes and dimensions, on the performance of
a 180◦ twist angle Savonius turbine. They found that there is an increase up to 36% for
this type of rotor. In addition, they noted that the circular form works better than other
forms. Saha et al. [7] found experimentally that the two-blade Savonius rotor produces
better performance (Cp max = 0.31) than the three-blade Savonius rotor. The same conclusion
was found with numerical simulations by Zhao et al. [10], who worked on a 180◦ twist
Savonius rotor. Zheng et al. [11] also carried out a numerical study for a modified Savonius
rotor with four, five and six blades. They found that the maximum power coefficient is
equal to 27.14%, 28.493% and 30.864%, respectively. According to Kamoji et al. [8] and
Hayashi et al. [12], a single stage Savonius rotor is more efficient than two and three stage
Savonius rotors at the same Reynolds number. The blade shape is another parameter
that has been studied to find the optimum form which gives best performances [13,14].
Driss et al. [15] studied the effect of a bucket arc angle on an unconventional Savonius rotor.
A novel two-bladed turbine proposed by Roy et al. [16] was tested in the lab and its power
and torque coefficients were compared with standard semi elliptic, semi-circular, bach
and benesh blade shapes. An important gain of 19.2%, 34.8%, 3.3% and 6.9%, respectively,
is obtained. A combined elliptical and conventional Savonius rotor was investigated by
Hassan et al. [17], obtaining an improvement of 35.9%.
Another geometrical parameter that directly affects the blade form of the Savonius
turbine is the twist angle ψ, which transforms the conventional Savonius rotor into the
helical Savonius rotor. Many studies have been carried out to prove that angle ψ affects
and directly improves the self-starting ability of the Savonius rotor [18]. Saha et al. [19]
found that a 15◦ helical blade is the optimum one. By maintaining the other geometrical
parameters, Lee et al. [20] studied four helical Savonius rotors characterized by the angles
0◦ , 45◦ , 90◦ and 135◦ . They found that the optimum power corresponds to a 45◦ twist
angle. However, the 90◦ and 135◦ rotor powers are lower than 0◦ . Beyond 90◦ , the torque
coefficient became stabilized.
The overlap ratio is the ratio between the overlap distance and the blade chord length
(Figure 1). According to previous works, the gap between rotor buckets leads to a water
flow from the forward to the returning blade, and it increases the pressure on the back side
of the concave blade, with a reduction in its drag force. Blackwell et al. [21] discovered
that from 0.1 to 0.15 is the optimum interval for the overlap ratio. Akwa et al. [22] found
by numerical tests that a maximum power coefficient of 0.316 is obtained at an overlap
ratio of 0.15 for a tip speed ratio of 1.25. The effect of overlap ratio on static torque was also
performed on a Savonius rotor with a single stage by Roya et al. [16]. Six overlap ratios
varying from 0 to 0.3 were studied and compared. The peak in static torque was observed
with an overlap ratio equal to 0.2. This ratio turns out to be a threshold value; beyond
it, any increment of the overlap ratio leads to a reduction in the effective pressure on the
concave surface of the blade.
 lack of studies for the optimization of the deflector efficiency, with respect to the large
number of papers addressing the optimization of the rotor parameters. The present work
attempts to investigate the use of a novel deflector system upstream a twisted Savonius
hydrokinetic rotor.
Water 2021, 13, 273 To this end, different configurations of the proposed deflector have been numeri-3 of 23
cally investigated. Numerical investigations of the Savonius water rotor were performed
using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software ANSYS FLUENT 17.0.

Figure
Figure 1.
1. Geometrical
Geometrical parameters
parameters of
of Savonius
Savonius rotor
rotor [12].

Anotherand
2. Materials wayMethods
to improve the performance of the Savonius rotor is to control the water
direction of the inlet flow. The basic idea is to locally increase the kinetic energy by reducing
2.1. Experimental Test Rig
the section of the stream flow already channeled toward the concave face of the advanced
bladeThe
andexperimental
to prevent thetests
waterhave
flowbeenfrom carried
the convex out face
in an irrigation
of the channel
returning blade. located
With such in
El-Khebayet city. El-Khebayat city belongs to the governorate of Gabes,
a technique, the pressure resulting on the advanced blade is enhanced and the negative southeast of Tu-
nisia,
torqueNortheast
given by oftheAfrica. It has
returning beenis known
blade reduced. as Many
one ofinvestigations
the principal have
thermal water
been re-
carried
gions
out inin Tunisia.
this For this reason,
field. Mohamed El-Khebayet
et al. [23] put a plate city is considered
before the rotor to
to be the main
shield physio-
the returning
therapy region, which is also frequented by many foreigners from
blade. With such a design, they improved the power coefficient by more than 27%. Theyaround the world. The
natural hot springs are also used for the irrigation of the oasis of El-Khebayat
also found that this improvement is more important for a two-blade than for a three-blade city. In-
deed, the hot water is cooled by means of a cooling system before
Savonius rotor. A deflector containing two plates was studied numerically and realized using it for irrigation
(Figure
at a 2:1 2a).
scaleThe
by irrigation
Maldonadoa canal (Testing
et al. site) isetthe
[24]. Altan al. outlet of the cooling
[25] proposed system, which of
three configurations is
characterized
curtains. These byones
a water
wereflow velocity
tested of 0.86 m.s
and compared −1
with , athe
width of 0.6 m Savonius
non-curtain and a height of 0.5The
design. m
(Figure
optimum 2b). A Pitot tubeleads
arrangement is used
to ato38.5%
measurepower thecoefficient
water flowincrease.
velocity upstream the rotor.
In summary, an overview of the literature on the twisted Savonius rotor confirms a
lack of studies for the optimization of the deflector efficiency, with respect to the large
number of papers addressing the optimization of the rotor parameters. The present work
attempts to investigate the use of a novel deflector system upstream a twisted Savonius
hydrokinetic rotor.
To this end, different configurations of the proposed deflector have been numerically
investigated. Numerical investigations of the Savonius water rotor were performed using
the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software ANSYS FLUENT 17.0.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Experimental Test Rig
The experimental tests have been carried out in an irrigation channel located in El-
Khebayet city. El-Khebayat city belongs to the governorate of Gabes, southeast of Tunisia,
Northeast of Africa. It has been known as one of the principal thermal water regions
in Tunisia. For this reason, El-Khebayet city is considered to be the main physiotherapy
region, which is also frequented by many foreigners from around the world. The natural
hot springs are also used for the irrigation of the oasis of El-Khebayat city. Indeed, the hot
water is cooled by means of a cooling system before using it for irrigation (Figure 2a). The
irrigation canal (Testing site) is the outlet of the cooling system, which is characterized by
Water 2021, 13, 273 4 of 23

Water 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 24

Water 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 24
a water flow velocity of 0.86 m·s−1 , a width of 0.6 m and a height of 0.5 m (Figure 2b). A
Pitot tube is used to measure the water flow velocity upstream the rotor.

Figure 2. (a) Cooling system (b) irrigation canal.

Figure 2. (a) Cooling system (b) irrigation canal.

2.2.
2.2.Savonius
2.2. SavoniusRotor
Savonius RotorPhysical
Rotor PhysicalModel
Physical Model
Model
The
The tested Savonius rotorhas
Thetested
tested Savonius
Savonius rotor
rotor hasbeen
has beenconstructed
been constructedthrough
constructed throughthe
through theadditive
the additivemanufacturing
additive manufacturing
manufacturing
method.
method. This method is based on building up the sought-after object by sequentially
method. This
This method
method is
is based
based on
on building
building upup the
the sought-after
sought-after object
object by
by sequentially
sequentially
adding
adding many thin layers, starting from a three-dimensional digital model created
adding many thin layers, starting from a three-dimensional digital model createdusing
many thin layers, starting from a three-dimensional digital model created using
usingaaa
solid
solid model
model computer-aided
computer-aided design
design (Figure
(Figure
solid model computer-aided design (Figure 3). 3).
3).

Figure
Figure3.3.
Figure 3.Savonius
SavoniusRotor.
Savonius Rotor.
Rotor.

Observe
Observe that
that3D
3D printing,
printing,in
in mini-hydro
mini-hydroapplications,
applications, allows
allows aa strong
strong reduction
reductioninin
manufacturing
manufacturing costs, especially when low water velocities allow a small admissiblestress
costs, especially when low water velocities allow a small admissible stress
of
ofthe
theblade
bladematerial
materialand
andthe
thecomplexity
complexityof
ofthe
therotor
rotorshape
shapewould
wouldotherwise
otherwiserequire
requireaalot
lot
Water 2021, 13, 273 5 of 23

Water 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 24

Observe that 3D printing, in mini-hydro applications, allows a strong reduction in

manufacturing costs, especially when low water velocities allow a small admissible stress
of human
of time.
the blade The tested
material rotor
and the consists of
complexity oftwo
the twisted vanes
rotor shape characterized
would otherwiseby a height
require of
a lot
20 cm, a diameter of 16 cm, a chord of 9 cm, a thickness of 0.2 cm and a twist angle
of human time. The tested rotor consists of two twisted vanes characterized by a height of of 90°
(Figure
20 cm, a3c). The two
diameter vanes
of 16 cm, are mounted
a chord overa thickness
of 9 cm, a central shaft
of 0.2with a diameter
cm and of 2 cm.
a twist angle Ta-
of 90 ◦
ble 1 presents the different geometrical parameters of the tested Savonius water
(Figure 3c). The two vanes are mounted over a central shaft with a diameter of 2 cm. Tablerotor.
1 presents the different geometrical parameters of the tested Savonius water rotor.
Table 1. Geometrical parameters of Savonius rotor.
Table 1. Geometrical parameters of Savonius rotor.
Parameter Value
RotorParameter
diameter (D) 160 mm
Value
Rotor height (H)
Rotor diameter (D)
200 mm
160 mm
End plate
Rotordiameter
height (H)(De) 165
200mm
mm
Shaft
End diameter
plate diameter(s)
(De) 20
165mm
mm
Shaft diameter
Number of blades (s) 202mm
Number of blades 2
Blade chord (d) 90 mm
Blade chord (d) 90 mm
Blade
Bladethickness
thickness 22mm
mm
Blade
Bladetwist
twist angle (ψ)
angle (ψ) 90◦
90°

2.3. Experimental Apparatus

Figure 4 shows the schematic
schematic diagram of the the experimental
experimental setup
setup used
used to to calculate
calculate
the performance parameters of the Savonius rotor, rotor, i.e.,
i.e., torque
torque coefficient
coefficient (C
(CTT) and power
(CPP), by measuring the load applied on the rotor shaft along with its rotational
coefficient (C
speed. It consists of four rectangular plates acting as a supporting structure which houses houses
Savoniusrotor.
the Savonius rotor.The
Therotation
rotation of the
of the rotor
rotor shaftshaft is conducted
is conducted by two byball
twobearings
ball bearings
which
which
are are mounted
mounted at the
at the top andtop andbottom
at the at the bottom of the metallic
of the metallic structure.
structure.

Figure 4. Schematic diagram of the experimental setup.

The
The dynamic
dynamictorque
torqueofofthe Savonius
the rotor
Savonius is calculated
rotor using
is calculated a rope
using brakebrake
a rope dynamome-
dyna-
ter, which is composed of a spring balance, a pulley, nylon string and a weighing
mometer, which is composed of a spring balance, a pulley, nylon string and a weighing pan. A
pan. A digital tachometer is used to measure the rotational speed of the rotor shaft. The
Water 2021, 13, 273 6 of 23

digital tachometer is used to measure the rotational speed of the rotor shaft. The different
performance parameters of the Savonius rotor, i.e., the torque coefficient (CT ), the power
coefficient (CP ) and the Tip Speed Ratio (TSR), were expressed by the following equations:

Tr ω
CP = 1
(1)
3
2 ρAV∞

Tr
CT = 1
(2)
2
2 ρAV ∞ R

where:
Tr : The dynamic torque,
ω: The angular velocity,
ρ: The water density,
A: The area of the rotor blade,
V∞ : The water flow velocity,
R: The radius of the rotor.

Tr = Fr r p + rn (3)
Fr = 9.81( M − m) (4)
where:
Fr : The force applied on the rotor shaft,
rp : The radius of the pulley,
rn : The radius of the nylon string,
M: The mass loaded on the weighing pan,
m: The spring balance load reading.

ωR
TSR = (5)
V∞

3. Numerical Procedures
Numerical 3D transient simulations of the Savonius water rotor were performed using
ANSYS FLUENT 17.0. FLUENT 17.0 is a CFD software solving the Reynolds averaged
Navier-Stokes equations (RANS equations) also in complex domains of roto-machinery,
where the solid boundary of the fluid domain is given by a static domain and a rotating
one, both crossed by the water flow. In the code, the Semi Implicit Linked Equations
(SIMPLE) technique, which assures good stability of the computed solution, is used with
a second order upwind scheme. Using the Einstein’s indicial notation, the Navier-Stokes
equations, for the unsteady, viscous, and incompressible turbulent flow, can be written in
the following form [26,27]:
∂ui
=0 (6)
∂xi
 
∂ui ∂u 1 ∂p ∂ ∂u ∂τij
+ uj i = − + υ i + (7)
∂t ∂xj ρ ∂xi ∂x j ∂xj ∂xj
where
τij = ui0 u0j (8)

ui : The averaged velocity,

p: The averaged pressure,
υ: The kinematic viscosity,
τij : The specific Reynolds Stress tensor.
For numerical investigations, the selection of the turbulence stress model and of its
parameters is one of the most relevant choices. Various turbulence models are available
Water 2021, 13, 273 7 of 23

in FLUENT, such as standard k-ω model, SST k-ω model, standard k-ε model, Realizable
k-ε model and RNG k-ε model. Numerous researchers confirmed that the Realizable
k-ε model, which captures extensive types of flows such as flow with adverse pressure
gradients, flow over airfoils and rotating flows, has predicted results in roto-machinery
significantly better than the other ones [28,29]. Therefore, the Realizable k-ε model is used
for three-dimensional (3D) CFD simulation in this work. The transport equations of the
realizable k-ε model can be written as follows:
"  #
∂ ∂ ∂ µt ∂k
(ρk + (ρku j ) = µ+ + Gk + Gb − ρε-YM + Sk (9)
∂t ∂x j ∂x j σk ∂x j
" #
ε2

∂ ∂ ∂ µt ∂ε ε
(ρε) + (ρεu j ) = µ+ + ρC1 Sε − ρC2 √ + C1ε C3ε Gb + Sε (10)
∂t ∂x j ∂x j σε ∂x j k + υε k
 
η
C1 = max 0.43, (11)
η+5
k
η=S (12)
ε
q
S= 2Sij Sij (13)

Based on earlier studies, the time step is set as the inverse of the rotational velocity,
measured as degree per seconds. This implies a rotation of 1◦ per time step.

3.1. Computation Domain and Boundary Conditions

Figure 5 presents the 3D computational domain with the Savonius rotor created using
the ANSYS design modeler. Indeed, two zones, stationary and rotating zones separated by
a sliding interface, are created. The stationary zone is characterized by 3 m length, 0.6 m
width and 0.5 m height. The rotating zone is created by using an enclosure with a diameter
equal to 1.2 times the diameter of the Savonius rotor. To correctly simulate the rotor test rig,
a velocity inlet equal to 0.86 m·s−1 is set as b.c. at the front face of the 3D computational
domain, and the outlet boundary condition is set in the rear front [28,29]. For the side
and bottom faces of the domain, a slip boundary condition is applied in order to reduce
the lateral boundary effect of the experimental channel. The top surface of the domain is
assumed as a symmetry boundary condition. It is assumed that the turbine operates at the
proper depth in order to reduce the surface effect, and free surface effects are neglected
in the simulation. At the vanes of the Savonius rotor, a no-slip moving walls condition is
imposed. Turbulence intensity and viscosity are, respectively, set equal to 5% and 10% for
both inlet and outlet.

3.2. Meshing
After importing the 3D computational domain to ANSYS workbench, an unstructured
mesh, characterized by tetrahedral elements, is applied for both rotating and stationary
sub-domains. Indeed, a finer mesh is given to the rotating zone where stronger pressure
and velocity gradients occur, as shown in Figure 6. An inflation is applied for the two
vanes of the Savonius rotor, with a total number of elements in the stationary and in the
rotating zones equal, respectively, to 9.4 million and 5.8 million. The non-dimensional wall
distance (y+) is chosen as less than 1 to capture the high separation levels and the gradients
of the adverse pressure around the vane surfaces of the Savonius rotor. In fact, a high y+
value reduces the accuracy of the numerical simulation. Therefore, the boundary layer will
not be resolved by ANSYS-prescribed wall functions.
Water 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 24

Water 2021, 13, 273 8 of 23

moving walls condition is imposed. Turbulence intensity and viscosity are, respectively,
set equal to 5% and 10% for both inlet and outlet.

Figure 5. Schematic representation of the computational domain.

3.2. Meshing
After importing the 3D computational domain to ANSYS workbench, an unstruc-
tured mesh, characterized by tetrahedral elements, is applied for both rotating and sta-
tionary sub-domains. Indeed, a finer mesh is given to the rotating zone where stronger
pressure and velocity gradients occur, as shown in Figure 6. An inflation is applied for
the two vanes of the Savonius rotor, with a total number of elements in the stationary and
in the rotating zones equal, respectively, to 9.4 million and 5.8 million. The
non-dimensional wall distance (y+) is chosen as less than 1 to capture the high separation
levels and the gradients of the adverse pressure around the vane surfaces of the Savonius
rotor. 5.
Figure
Figure In fact, a high
5. Schematic y+ value reduces
representation
representation of
of the the accuracy of
the computational
computational the numerical simulation. Therefore,
domain.
domain.
the boundary layer will not be resolved by ANSYS-prescribed wall functions.
3.2. Meshing
After importing the 3D computational domain to ANSYS workbench, an unstruc-
tured mesh, characterized by tetrahedral elements, is applied for both rotating and sta-
tionary sub-domains. Indeed, a finer mesh is given to the rotating zone where stronger
pressure and velocity gradients occur, as shown in Figure 6. An inflation is applied for
the two vanes of the Savonius rotor, with a total number of elements in the stationary and
in the rotating zones equal, respectively, to 9.4 million and 5.8 million. The
non-dimensional wall distance (y+) is chosen as less than 1 to capture the high separation
levels and the gradients of the adverse pressure around the vane surfaces of the Savonius
rotor. In fact, a high y+ value reduces the accuracy of the numerical simulation. Therefore,
the boundary layer will not be resolved by ANSYS-prescribed wall functions.

Figure6.6.Mesh
Figure Meshgeneration
generationand
anddistribution
distributionaround
aroundSavonius
Savoniusrotor.
rotor.

3.3. Deflector System

In order to improve the performance parameters of the Savonius rotor, a deflector
system, placed upstream the rotor, is proposed. The optimization of the deflector system
is based on improving the involvement of the advancing blade in the torque production.
Indeed, it consists of directing the main part of the incoming water flow to the concave
part of the advancing blade. For sake of simplicity, only one of the geometrical parameters
of the deflector system is modified: the deflection angle α. All the other parameters are
kept constant. The deflection angle is increased up to α = 30◦ in a step of 5◦ starting with a
minimum value of α = 15◦ . Subsequently, four configurations of the deflector systems are
studied. The 3D and 2D models of the deflector system are shown, respectively, in Figure 7.
Figure
All the6.geometrical
Mesh generation and distribution
parameters are shown around Savonius
in detail rotor.
in Table 2.
 Indeed, it consists of directing the main part of the incoming water flow to the concave
part of the advancing blade. For sake of simplicity, only one of the geometrical parame-
ters of the deflector system is modified: the deflection angle α. All the other parameters
are kept constant. The deflection angle is increased up to α = 30° in a step of 5° starting
Water 2021, 13, 273with a minimum value of α = 15°. Subsequently, four configurations of the deflector sys- 9 of 23
tems are studied. The 3D and 2D models of the deflector system are shown, respectively,
in Figure 7. All the geometrical parameters are shown in detail in Table 2.

(a) α = 15° (b) α = 20°

(c) α = 25° (d) α = 30°

Figure 7. Two-dimensional
Figure models
7. Two-dimensional of the
models ofdeflector system
the deflector withwith
system different deflection
different angles.
deflection angles.

Table 2. Geometrical parameters of the deflector system.

H L1 L2 L3 Ra β γ
Configuration
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (◦ ) (◦ )
α = 15◦ 200 115 100 110 110 20 35
α = 20◦ 200 115 100 110 110 20 35
α = 25◦ 200 115 100 110 110 20 35
α = 30◦ 200 115 100 110 110 20 35

4. Experimental Results and Validation

The Savonius rotor is tested in an irrigation canal with an inlet velocity of 0.86 m·s−1 .
The performance characteristics such as CP and CT are calculated experimentally using a
rope type dynamometer. The CT and CP are plotted versus TSR, as shown in Figure 8.
 α = 25° 200 115 100 110 110 20 35
α = 30° 200 115 100 110 110 20 35

4. Experimental Results and Validation

Water 2021, 13, 273 The Savonius rotor is tested in an irrigation canal with an inlet velocity of 0.8610
m.s
of 23.
−1

The performance characteristics such as CP and CT are calculated experimentally using a

rope type dynamometer. The CT and CP are plotted versus TSR, as shown in Figure 8.

CT

CP
TSR TSR
(a) Variation of torque coefficient (b) Variation of power coefficient
Figure 8.
Figure Performance parameters.
8. Performance parameters.

Initially, the
Initially, the Savonius
Savonius rotor
rotor spins
spins freely
freely without
without applying
applying any any resistance
resistance on on its
its shaft.
shaft.
At this condition, the highest rotational speed, which corresponds
At this condition, the highest rotational speed, which corresponds to CTT equal to zero,to C equal to zero,
could be
could be evaluated.
evaluated. TheThemaximum
maximumrotational
rotationalspeed
speedis is
equal
equalto to
119119
rpm.
rpm.TheThe
increase
increasein the
in
braking torque on the rotor shaft raises the C at the cost of a reduction
the braking torque on the rotor shaft raises the CT at the cost of a reduction in the rota-
T in the rotational
speed speed
tional and inandTSR, inup to aup
TSR, maximum
to a maximumvalue.value.
Further reduction
Further TSR
in the in
reduction theleads
TSR to a quick
leads to a
increase in C T . The maximum C T is equal to 0.25 at TSR = 0.54. For
quick increase in CT. The maximum CT is equal to 0.25 at TSR = 0.54. For the variation the variation of CofP
versus
C TSR, it has been observed that CP follows
P versus TSR, it has been observed that CP followsthe the
same behavior
same as Cas
behavior T, C
but attains the
T, but attains
maximum value of 0.14 at a larger TSR, equal to 0.69. Table 3 shows
the maximum value of 0.14 at a larger TSR, equal to 0.69. Table 3 shows the systematic the systematic error
for the different experimental apparatus which are used in
error for the different experimental apparatus which are used in this work.this work.

Table 3.
Table Systematical error
3. Systematical error for
for the
the different
different experimental
experimental apparatus.
apparatus.
Experimental Apparatus
Experimental Apparatus Systematical Error
Systematical Error
Pitot
Pitot tube
tube 1%
1%
Electrical balance
Electrical balance 2%
2%
Non-contact digital tachometer 3%
Non-contact digital tachometer 3%

Three-dimensional numerical
Three-dimensional numerical investigations
investigations are
are performed
performed to to be
be sure
sure of
of the good
agreement between
agreement betweenexperimental
experimentaland andcomputational
computationaldata dataand
andtoto then
then study
study thethe effect
effect of
of the deflector system on both the hydrodynamic and performance
the deflector system on both the hydrodynamic and performance parameters of the parameters of the
Savonius rotor
Savonius rotor using
using different
different configurations,
configurations, without
without the
the need
need for
for new
new experiments.
experiments. A A
mesh independence study was carried out for different refinement levels
mesh independence study was carried out for different refinement levels of grids named of grids named
coarse, medium,
coarse, medium, fine
fine and
and extra
extra fine,
fine, with
with 370,000,
370,000, 580,000,
580,000, 910,000
910,000 and
and 1.4
1.4 million
million nodes,
nodes,
respectively.
respectively.
Figure 99 presents
Figure presents the
the mesh
mesh sensitivity
sensitivity on
on the
the torque
torque coefficient
coefficient of
of the
the Savonius
Savonius rotor
rotor
computed at TSR = 0.69. As the number of grid nodes rises from 370,000 to
computed at TSR = 0.69. As the number of grid nodes rises from 370,000 to 910,000, there 910,000, there
is a change in CT with respect to TSR. However, from 910,000 to 1.4 million, the change in
CT is negligible. Therefore, the fine mesh is assumed as the best grid level for the present
simulation to optimize the computational time.
Figure 10 shows the variation of CP with TSR for different numerical simulations,
which seems to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The average error value
is about 4.6%. Thus, the numerical model is appropriate for predicting the impact of the
deflector system on both hydrodynamic and performance parameters of the Savonius rotor.
 CT is negligible. Therefore, the fine mesh is assumed as the best grid level for the present
Water 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEWsimulationto optimize the computational time. 11 of 24

Water 2021, 13, 273

is a change in CT with respect to TSR. However, from 910,000 to 1.4 million, the change in
11 of 23
CT is negligible. Therefore, the fine mesh is assumed as the best grid level for the present
simulation to optimize the computational time.

CT
CT
Azimuth (°)

Figure 9. Variation of torque coefficient for different refinement levels of grid.

Figure 10 shows the variation of CP with TSR for different numerical simulations,
which seems to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The average error
Azimuth (°)
value is about 4.6%. Thus, the numerical model is appropriate for predicting the impact
of the deflector
Figure 9.
Figure system
Variation of
9. Variation torque coefficient for different and
on
of torque both hydrodynamic performance
refinement levels ofparameters
grid. of the Savo-
nius rotor.
Figure 10 shows the variation of CP with TSR for different numerical simulations,
which seems to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The average error
value is about 4.6%. Thus, the numerical model is appropriate for predicting the impact
of the deflector system on both hydrodynamic and performance parameters of the Savo-
nius rotor.
CP
CP

TSR
Figure
Figure 10.
10. Power
Powercoefficient
coefficient validation.
validation.

5. Numerical
5. NumericalResults
Results
5.1. Velocity Distribution
5.1. Velocity Distribution
Figure 11 presents the TSRdistribution of the magnitude velocity around the Savonius
Figure 11 presents the distribution of the magnitude velocity around the Savonius
rotor
Figure for the
10.the
Power proposed deflector
coefficient systems in the plane sections defined, respectively, by
validation.
rotor for proposed deflector systems in the plane sections defined, respectively, by z =
z = 0 m and y = 0 m at TSR = 0.69. From these results, it has been observed that upstream
0 m and y = 0 m at TSR = 0.69. From these results, it has been observed that upstream the
the
5. rotor the velocity is almost uniform and similar to the value V = 0.86 m·s−1 ,
Savonius Results
Numerical
Savonius rotor the velocity is almost uniform and similar to the value V = 0.86 m.s−1, as set
as set in the boundary conditions for all studied cases. Without a deflector, the presence
5.1. Velocity
in the Distribution
boundary conditions for all studied cases. Without a deflector, the presence of a
of a slowing zone of the water velocity upstream the rotor has been noted. In fact, the
slowing zone
Figure 11ofpresents
the water thevelocity upstream the
distribution rotor has velocity
been noted. In fact,
the the Savo-
Savonius rotor is considered as a barrierofinthe magnitude
front of the flowing water.around When Savonius
the rotor
nius
rotor rotor is considered as a barrier in front of the flowing water. When the rotor starts to
startsfor
to the proposed
rotate, differentdeflector
importantsystems in are
zones the developed,
plane sections i.e.,defined, respectively,
a high-velocity zone by andz =a
rotate,
0wake
m and different important
y = 0Inmfact,
at TSR zones
= 0.69. are developed, i.e., a high-velocity zone and a wake
zone. it has beenFrom thesethat
observed results,
a highit has been zone
velocity observed that upstream
is developed at thethetip
Savonius rotor thevane.
of the returning velocity is almost cyclical
In addition, uniformhighand similar to the value
flow velocity zonesVhave
= 0.86been
m.s−1noticed
, as set
in thethe
near boundary
wake zone conditions
of the flowfor velocity
all studied cases.
created Without a deflector,
downstream the presence
the rotor. This fact could ofbe
a
slowing zone of the water velocity upstream the rotor has been noted.
explained by the increase in the flow speed after passing the wake zone. By installing a In fact, the Savo-
nius rotor upstream
deflector is considered as a barrier
the rotor, in frontincrease
a noticeable of the flowing water.
in the peak When
value of the
therotor
flow starts
velocityto
rotate,
has beendifferent
observed. important
Indeed, zones arevalue
this peak developed,
has been i.e., a high-velocity
noted zone
at the tip of the and a wake
returning vane
for all deflector designs. The improvement of the flow velocity near the rotor vanes could
be explained by the enhancement of the rotational speed of the Savonius rotor due to the
large water volume absorbed by the deflector plates. The maximum magnitude velocity
 been observed. Indeed, this peak value has been noted at the tip of the returning vane for
all deflector designs. The improvement of the flow velocity near the rotor vanes could be
explained by the enhancement of the rotational speed of the Savonius rotor due to the
large water volume absorbed by the deflector plates. The maximum magnitude velocity
is V = 1.71 m.s−1, V = 1.75 m.s−1, V = 1.80 m.s−1, V = 1.97 m.s−1 and V = 2.12 m.s−1 for the con-
Water 2021, 13, 273 12 of 23
figuration without a deflector, α = 15°, α = 20°, α = 25° and α = 30°, respectively. Com-
paring the different distributions, it could be confirmed that the different deflector de-
signs affect the flow velocity around the rotor.
is V For
= 1.71 ·s−1 ,axial
themsame m·s−z1 ,=V
position
V = 1.75 0 and
= 1.80forma·sy−coordinate m·s−1 and
1 , V = 1.97 ranging from
V= y =2.12 ·s−
−0.3mm to1 yfor
=
0.3
them, different velocity
configuration withoutmagnitude profiles
a deflector, α = 15are◦ ◦
, αgenerated
= 20 , α =to ◦
25follow
and αthe ◦
evolution
= 30 of the
, respectively.
velocity
Comparingfor each transversal
the different plane defined,
distributions, respectively,
it could be confirmedby the
thatx-coordinate
the differentvalue x=
deflector
−0.3 m, xaffect
designs = −0.08
them,flow
x = 0.08 m and
velocity x = 0.3
around them.rotor.

Figure 11.
Figure Magnitude velocity
11. Magnitude velocity distribution
distribution for
for different
different deflection
deflection angles.

For the same axial position z = 0 and for a y coordinate ranging from y = −0.3 m to
y = 0.3 m, different velocity magnitude profiles are generated to follow the evolution of
the velocity for each transversal plane defined, respectively, by the x-coordinate value
x = −0.3 m, x = −0.08 m, x = 0.08 m and x = 0.3 m.
The velocity profiles for the proposed configurations are shown in Figure 12. Based
on these results, the velocity magnitude distribution previously described is confirmed.
In fact, upstream the deflector system for x = −0.3 m, the velocity is strongly affected by
the inlet boundary condition defined by V = 0.86 m·s−1 (Figure 12a). A deceleration is
observed in Figure 12b,c, which corresponds to the area around the rotor. From Figure 12b
and for an interval ranging from y = −0.1 m to y = 0 m and corresponding to the area
in front of the concave side of the advancing blade, the velocity of the water directed to
the concave side increases with the use of the deflector system compared to that without
deflector. For an interval ranging from y = 0 m to y = 0.1 m and corresponding to the
area in front of the convex side of the returning blade, the velocity of the water directed
 these results, the velocity magnitude distribution previously described is confirmed. In
fact, upstream the deflector system for x = −0.3 m, the velocity is strongly affected by the
inlet boundary condition defined by V = 0.86 m.s−1 (Figure 12a). A deceleration is observed
in Figure 12b,c, which corresponds to the area around the rotor. From Figure 12b and for an
interval ranging from y = −0.1 m to y = 0 m and corresponding to the area in front of the
Water 2021, 13, 273 13 of 23
concave side of the advancing blade, the velocity of the water directed to the concave side
increases with the use of the deflector system compared to that without deflector. For an
interval ranging from y = 0 m to y = 0.1 m and corresponding to the area in front of the
convex
to side of returning
the convex the returning blade,
blade the velocity
decreases of the
with the usewater directedsystems
of deflector to the convex
comparedreturn-to
ing blade
that decreases
without with the
a deflector. use of deflector
Indeed, systems
the role of compared
the deflector to that
system without a deflector.
mentioned before is
Indeed, the Downstream,
confirmed. role of the deflector
while system
movingmentioned
away frombefore is confirmed.
the rotor, Downstream,
the velocity while
starts to increase
moving12d).
(Figure awayThisfrom the rotor,
increment the velocitythe
characterizes starts
wake tozone,
increase
which(Figure 12d).disappears
gradually This increment
with
characterizes
the increase inthethewake zone, which
downstream gradually
distance, disappears
and this behaviorwith the increase
is enhanced in increment
by the the down-
stream
of distance, and
the deflection thisComparing
angle. behavior isallenhanced by the increment
configurations, it turns out of that
the deflection
the addition angle.
of
Comparing
the deflectorall configurations,
system positivelyitaffects
turns the
out flow
that the
filedaddition
around of thethe deflectorrotor
Savonius system posi-
in terms
tively
of affectsmagnitude.
velocity the flow filed
The around the Savonius
increment rotor in terms
of the deflection angle,ofbased
velocity
onmagnitude. The
these findings,
incrementthe
improves of predicted
the deflection angle,The
net torque. based on these
highest findings,
increment improves
is obtained for the predicted
a deflection net
angle
torque.toThe
equal 30◦ . increment is obtained for a deflection angle equal to α = 30°.
α = highest

Figure 12. Velocity profiles for

Velocity profiles for different
differentdeflection
deflectionangles.
angles.

5.2. Total Pressure

Figure 13 shows the distribution of the total pressure around the Savonius rotor for
the proposed deflector systems in the longitudinal planes defined by z = 0 m and y = 0 m at
TSR = 0.69. The pressure distribution for all proposed configurations presents a high and a
low-pressure zone. The high-pressure zone is located upstream the deflector system and is
quite uniform. The low-pressure zone is located downstream the Savonius. The pressure
difference upstream and downstream the rotor is responsible for the production of kinetic
energy and, therefore, the rotation of the Savonius rotor.
401 TSR=0.69. The pressure distribution for all proposed configurations presents a high and a
402 low-pressure zone. The high pressure zone is located upstream the deflector system and
Water 2021, 13, 273
403 is quite uniform. The low pressure zone is located downstream the Savonius. The pres-14 of 23
404 sure difference upstream and downstream the rotor is responsible of the production of
405 the kinetic energy and so the rotation of the Savonius rotor.
406
407

Without def
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
α=15°

417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
α=20°

425
426
427
428
429
430
431
α=25°

432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
α=30°

440
441
442
443
444
445 (a) z=0 m (b) y=0 m (Pa)
446
447 Figure 13. Total pressure
Figure13. distribution
Total pressure for different
distribution for deflection angles.
different deflection angles.
448
Comparing the different configurations, it is clear that with the use of the deflector
449 Comparing the different configurations, it is clear that with the use of the deflector
system, the pressure on the convex side of the returning blade is reduced with the increase
450 system the pressure on the convex side of the returning blade is reduced with the in-
in the deflection angle (Figure 13a). It is proved that the deflector system prevents the
451 crease of the deflection angle (Figure 13.a). It is proved that the deflector system prevents
452
appearance of negative
the appearance drag drag
of negative pressure forces,
pressure which
forces reduces
which the negative
reduces produced
the negative drag
produced
453
torque
drag torque and improves the pressure upstream the advancing blade. At the same time, a
and improves the pressure upstream the advancing blade. At the same time,
454
high-pressure zonezone
a high pressure appears at the
appears at tip
the of
tipthe
of advancing blade.
the advancing Its maximum
blade. value
Its maximum increases
value in-
with the increase in the deflection angle and takes the highest value for α = 30◦ . The
pressure passes from p = 640 Pa for the configuration without a deflector to p = 812 Pa for
α = 30◦ . The positive drag is thus improved.
To give a further insight into the effect of the deflector system with different deflection
angles on the pressure, the distribution of the pressure coefficient is plotted in the plane
defined by z = 0 m, which corresponds to the middle plane of the Savonius rotor at
TSR = 0.69.
 The pressure passes from p = 640 Pa for the configuration without a deflector to p = 812 Pa
for α = 30°. The positive drag is thus improved.
To give a further insight into the effect of the deflector system with different deflec-
tion angles on the pressure, the distribution of the pressure coefficient is plotted in the
Water 2021, 13, 273 plane defined by z = 0 m, which corresponds to the middle plane of the Savonius rotor 15 of 23
at
TSR = 0.69.
The variation of the pressure coefficient (Cpr) shown in Figure 14 is plotted along the
y coordinate with incoming
The variation water in
of the pressure the x direction.
coefficient As it isindepicted
(Cpr ) shown Figure 14in Figure 14a,along
is plotted posi-
tive values of the y coordinate correspond to the convex side of the
the y coordinate with incoming water in the x direction. As it is depicted in Figure 14a,returning blade and
negative values correspond to the concave side of the advancing blade.
positive values of the y coordinate correspond to the convex side of the returning blade andFrom Figure 14b,
the highest-pressure
negative coefficient
values correspond to theonconcave
the concave
side ofside
theof the advancing
advancing blade. blade
From is obtained
Figure 14b,
for
the αhighest-pressure
= 30°, corresponding to Cpr on
coefficient = 0.33
the against
concavethe sidevalue Cpradvancing
of the = 0.2 obtained without
blade a de-
is obtained
flector.
for α = 30Therefore, a higher to
◦ , corresponding positive dragagainst
Cpr = 0.33 is obtained for αC=pr 30°.
the value = 0.2From Figure
obtained 14c, the
without a
pressure coefficient on the convex side of the returning blade decreases
◦
deflector. Therefore, a higher positive drag is obtained for α = 30 . From Figure 14c, the with the increase
in the deflection
pressure coefficientangle.
on theItsconvex
lowestside
value is computed
of the for α decreases
returning blade = 30°, corresponding to Cprin=
with the increase
2.07 against the value C = 0.31 obtained without a deflector.◦ Therefore,
the deflection angle. Its lowest value is computed for α = 30 , corresponding to Cpr = 2.07
pr a lesser negative
drag
againstis the
obtained.
value CThus, theobtained
pr = 0.31 highest total
withoutdraga deflector.
is obtained with a deflection
Therefore, angle ofdrag
a lesser negative α=
is obtained. Thus, the highest total drag is obtained with a deflection angle of α = 30◦ .
30°.

Figure 14.
Figure Pressure coefficient
14. Pressure coefficient distribution
distribution for
for different
different deflection
deflection angles.
angles.
5.3. Turbulent Kinetic Energy
Figure 15 shows the distribution of the turbulent kinetic energy around the Savonius
rotor for the proposed deflector systems in the longitudinal planes defined by z = 0 m and
y = 0 m at TSR = 0.69.
Upstream the rotor, the turbulent kinetic energy is almost negligible. It increases
slightly around the rotor and seems more remarkable at the attack point of both the advanc-
ing and the returning blade for the proposed configurations (Figure 15a). This increment is
likely to be related to the energy produced from the lift force while the turbine rotates. Com-
paring the distribution of the turbulent kinetic energy for the proposed deflector systems, it
is noticed that the increase in the deflection angle leads to an improvement in the range of
the turbulent kinetic energy values. In fact, the increase in the deflection angle increases the
upstream flow fields directed to the rotor blades, which results in an improved rotational
Water 2021, 13, 273 16 of 23

speed of the rotor and in an increment of the energy production. Downstream the rotor, a
Water 2021, 13, xremarkable zone
FOR PEER REVIEW characterized by a slight increase in the turbulent kinetic energy values 16 of 24
is observed for all configurations. From Figure 15b, this zone becomes more important
with the increase in the deflection angle. It is about the wake phenomenon. This wake is
improved with5.3. theTurbulent
use of the deflector ◦
Kinetic Energysystems and remains more important for α = 30 .
While getting away Figure
from the rotor, the
15 shows turbulent kinetic
the distribution energy decreases
of the turbulent gradually
kinetic energy because
around the Savonius
of its dissipation farfor
rotor away from thedeflector
the proposed rotor. Thus, the in
systems use
theoflongitudinal
the deflector system
planes positively
defined by z = 0 m and
affects the turbulent
y = 0 mkinetic
at TSR energy
= 0.69. distribution around the Savonius rotor.

Turbulent
Figure 15. Figure kinetic energy
15. Turbulent kineticdistribution for different
energy distribution deflection
for different angles.
deflection angles.

5.4. Turbulence EddyUpstream

Dissipationthe rotor, the turbulent kinetic energy is almost negligible. It increases
slightlythe
Figure 16 shows around the rotorofand
distribution theseems moreeddy
turbulent remarkable at thearound
dissipation attack point of both the ad-
the Savonius
vancing deflector
rotor for the proposed and the returning
systems blade
in thefor the proposed
longitudinal configurations
planes defined by (Figure
z=0m 15a).
andThis in-
y = 0 m at TSR = 0.69. These results indicate the turbulent eddy dissipation ε relative toturbine
crement is likely to be related to the energy produced from the lift force while the
rotates.energy.
the turbulent kinetic Comparing the distribution
The turbulent eddyof the turbulent
dissipation kinetic energy
is practically for the proposed
negligible in the de-
flector systems, it is noticed that the increase in the deflection angle leads to an im-
entire computational domain, but it remains slightly noteworthy at the level of the deflector
system tips and at the rotor blade surfaces. In fact, the turbulent eddy dissipation increases
 5.4. Turbulence Eddy Dissipation
Figure 16 shows the distribution of the turbulent eddy dissipation around t
Savonius rotor for the proposed deflector systems in the longitudinal planes defined b
= 0 m and y = 0 m at TSR = 0.69. These results indicate the turbulent eddy dissipation
Water 2021, 13, 273 relative to the turbulent kinetic energy. The turbulent eddy dissipation is practica
17 of 23
negligible in the entire computational domain, but it remains slightly noteworthy at t
level of the deflector system tips and at the rotor blade surfaces. In fact, the turbule
eddy dissipation increases mainly at the attack point of both advancing and returni
mainly at the attack
blades,point
which ofcorresponds
both advancing and
to high returning
turbulent blades,
kinetic which
energy corresponds
zones. Thus, higher dissip
to high turbulent
tion zones are derived from higher energy zones. Comparing the rangefrom
kinetic energy zones. Thus, higher dissipation zones are derived of values cor
higher energy sponding
zones. Comparing
to the proposedthe range of values
deflector systems,corresponding
it is noted thattothe
the proposed
turbulent eddy dissip
deflector systems,
tionit increases
is noted thatwiththe
theturbulent
increaseeddy
in thedissipation
deflection increases with
angle. This theisincrease
fact expected as it w
in the deflection angle.
found thatThis fact is expected
the turbulent as it was
kinetic energy foundalong
increases that with
the turbulent
the increase kinetic
in the deflecti
energy increasesangle,
alongand withas the
the increase
turbulentineddy
the deflection
dissipation angle, and as the to
is proportional turbulent eddy kinetic e
the turbulent
dissipation is proportional
ergy. Thus, to thethe turbulentvalue
maximum kinetic
of energy. Thus, the
the turbulent eddymaximum
dissipationvalue of the for a d
is obtained
turbulent eddy flection
dissipation α = 30°. for a deflection angle of α = 30◦ .
angleisofobtained

Water 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 18 o

Turbulent
Figure 16.Figure eddy dissipation
16. Turbulent distribution
eddy dissipation for different
distribution deflection
for different angles.angles.
deflection

5.5. Turbulent Viscosity

5.5. Turbulent Viscosity
Figure 17 showsFigure
the distribution
17 shows theofdistribution
the turbulent viscosity
of the around
turbulent the Savonius
viscosity around therotor
Savonius ro
for the proposedfordeflector systems
the proposed in the systems
deflector longitudinal
in theplanes defined
longitudinal by z =defined
planes 0 m andbyyz == 00 m and y
m at TSR = 0.69.mForat all
TSR configurations,
= 0.69. For all itconfigurations,
is clearly notedit that the turbulent
is clearly noted thatviscosity is very viscosity
the turbulent
low upstream the deflector system. Around the rotor, the turbulent viscosity distribution
very low upstream the deflector system. Around the rotor, the turbulent viscosity d
becomes more noteworthy and highlights
tribution becomes remarkable
more noteworthy andzones locatedremarkable
highlights in front ofzones
the concave
located in front
the concave side of both the advancing and the returning blade. These zones beco
more important with the increase in the deflection angle, especially the zone of the
vancing blade. Indeed, the flow around the concave side of the advancing blade is am
liorated with the aid of the deflector system, as well as the flow around the concave s
Water 2021, 13, 273 18 of 23

side of both the advancing and the returning blade. These zones become more important
with the increase in the deflection angle, especially the zone of the advancing blade. Indeed,
the flow around the concave side of the advancing blade is ameliorated with the aid of
the deflector system, as well as the flow around the concave side of the returning blade.
Thus, the Savonius rotor anti-clockwise rotation is ameliorated. Downstream the rotor,
a zone highlighting maximum turbulent viscosity values appears. Weak velocity is due
to more vortices born there, which are responsible for more turbulent viscosity detected
there. From Figure 17a, this zone becomes wider with a higher range of values while
increasing the deflection angle. The maximum value of the turbulent viscosity is obtained
for a deflection angle equal to α = 30◦ . Thus, the wake is improved with the increase in the
deflection
Water 2021, 13, x FOR angle and seems optimum for α = 30◦ . Getting away from the rotor, the turbulent
PEER REVIEW 19 of
viscosity decreases progressively, as shown in Figure 17b. This fact is due to the dissipation
of vortices.

Figure 17. Turbulent viscosity

Figure 17. distribution
Turbulent for different
viscosity distribution fordeflection angles. angles.
different deflection

5.6. Turbulent Intensity

Figure 18 shows the distribution of the turbulent intensity around the Savonius rot
for the proposed deflector systems in the longitudinal planes defined by z = 0 m and y =
m at TSR = 0.69.
Water 2021, 13, 273 19 of 23

5.6. Turbulent Intensity

Figure
Water 2021, 13, x FOR PEER 18 shows
REVIEW the distribution of the turbulent intensity around the Savonius rotor 20 o
for the proposed deflector systems in the longitudinal planes defined by z = 0 m and y = 0
m at TSR = 0.69.

Figure 18. Turbulent intensity

Figure 18. distribution
Turbulent intensity for differentfor
distribution deflection
differentangles.
deflection angles.

Upstream the deflector

Upstreamsystem, the turbulent
the deflector intensity
system, the seems
turbulent to be weak
intensity seemsfor allweak
to be con- for all c
figurations. Approaching the rotating domain of the helical Savonius rotor, it is noticed
figurations. Approaching the rotating domain of the helical Savonius rotor, it is notic
that the turbulent
thatintensity increases
the turbulent brutally
intensity and shows
increases brutallyimportant
and shows zones with azones
important higher with a hig
range of values located in front of the concave side of both the advancing and the
range of values located in front of the concave side of both the advancing and the returning
blades (Figure 18a).
turning Byblades
comparing
(Figurethe different
18a). configurations,
By comparing it has
the different been noteditthat
configurations, has been no
these zones become
that these zones become more noteworthy with the increase in mainly
more noteworthy with the increase in the deflection angle, in
the deflection ang
front of the advancing blade. This is related to the creation of more vortices and so more
mainly in front of the advancing blade. This is related to the creation of more vortices a
viscosity detected there,viscosity
so more as mentioned before.
detected there,The use of a deflector
as mentioned before. system
The useenhances the system
of a deflector
rotation anti-clockwise
hances theby rotation
directinganti-clockwise
the flow to the by concave
directingside
the of
flowthetoadvancing
the concave blade
side of the
vancing blade and redirecting an amount of it to the concave side of the returning bla
Downstream the rotor, a remarkably high turbulent intensity zone appears as an index
Water 2021, 13, 273 20 of 23
Water 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 21 of 24

and redirecting an amount of it to the concave side of the returning blade. Downstream
the wake phenomenon. The flow becomes more turbulent due to the vortices formation,
the rotor, a remarkably high turbulent intensity zone appears as an index of the wake
resulting in a deficit of the velocity values and in the wake of the flow downstream. Ac-
phenomenon. The flow becomes more turbulent due to the vortices formation, resulting
cording to Figure 18a, this zone becomes wider with a higher range of values while in-
in a deficit of the velocity values and in the wake of the flow downstream. According to
creasing the deflection angle. The maximum value of the turbulent intensity is obtained
Figure 18a, this zone becomes wider with a higher range of values while increasing the
for a deflection angle equal to α = 30°. Thus, the wake is improved with the increase in the
deflection angle. The maximum value of the turbulent intensity is obtained for a deflection
deflection angle and seems optimum with α = 30°. Getting away from the rotor, the tur-
angle equal to α = 30◦ . Thus, the wake is improved with the increase in the deflection angle
bulent intensity
and seems decreases
optimum withprogressively, as shown
α = 30◦ . Getting in Figure
away from 18b. the
the rotor, Thisturbulent
fact is due to the
intensity
dissipation of the turbulence downstream while moving away from the rotor, as
decreases progressively, as shown in Figure 18b. This fact is due to the dissipation of men-
the
tioned before.
turbulence downstream while moving away from the rotor, as mentioned before.

5.7.
5.7.Performance
PerformanceCharacteristics
Characteristics
The
The variationof
variation ofthe
thetorque
torquecoefficient
coefficientversus
versusthe theangular
angularposition
positionθθforforone
onerevolu-
revolu-
tion
tion is presented in Figure 19 for the different configurations of the deflector system
is presented in Figure 19 for the different configurations of the deflector system at at
TSR
TSR ==0.69.
0.69. From
From these results,
results,ititisisclear
clearthat
thatthethe addition
addition of the
of the deflector
deflector system
system posi-
positively
tively
affectsaffects the torque
the torque coefficient
coefficient of theofSavonius
the Savonius rotor.rotor. Its average
Its average value
value increases
increases with with
the
the increase
increase in the
in the deflection
deflection angle,
angle, except
except forfor
αα ◦ . The
= =1515°. Thehighest
highest value
value is obtained for for aa
deflection
deflectionangle
angleof 30◦ ,as
ofαα ==30°, asititwas
waspredicted
predictedfrom fromthetheresults
resultsabove.
above.TheTheaverage
averagetorque
torque
coefficient
coefficient changes
changes from
from CTT ==0.20
0.20forforthe
theconfiguration
configuration without
without a deflector to CTT ==0.23
0.23forfor
◦
αα==30°.
30 .Thus,
Thus,aasignificant
significantimprovement
improvementin inthe
thepredicted
predictednet net torque
torque is
is obtained.
obtained. This
This fact
fact
isisjustified
justifiedbybythe
thereduction
reductionin inthe
thenegative
negativedrag dragforce
forceby bypreventing
preventingthe theconvex
convexreturning
returning
bladefrom
blade fromthetheincoming
incomingwaterwaterand andthetheincrease
increasein inthe
thepositive
positivedrag
dragforce
force by
by redirecting
redirecting
thewater
the waterflow
flowtotothe
theconcave
concaveadvancing
advancingblade. blade.

Figure19.
Figure Torquecoefficient
19.Torque coefficient for
for different
different deflection
deflection angles.
angles.

The effect
The effect of
of the
theaddition
additionofofthe
thedeflector
deflector system
systemon on
thethe
efficiency of the
efficiency ofSavonius rotor
the Savonius
is investigated. A superposition of the power coefficients for a wide range
rotor is investigated. A superposition of the power coefficients for a wide range of tip of tip speed
ratios ratios
speed varying from TSR
varying from=TSR
0.4 to TSRto=TSR
= 0.4 1.2 is= presented in Figure
1.2 is presented 20 for 20
in Figure thefor
configuration
the config-
without a deflector and with a deflector system for different deflection
uration without a deflector and with a deflector system for different deflection angles. Theangles.
power
coefficient has the same evolution for the studied configurations. It increments with the
The power coefficient has the same evolution for the studied configurations. It incre-
rise in the tip speed ratio until it reaches its peak, over which it decays. According to these
ments with the rise in the tip speed ratio until it reaches its peak, over which it decays.
findings, it could be confirmed that the deflector systems with α = 30◦ present the highest
According to these findings, it could be confirmed that the deflector systems with α = 30°
power coefficient value compared to the other configurations. In fact, using a deflection
present the highest power coefficient value compared to the other configurations. In fact,
angle equal to α = 30◦ , the power coefficient of the Savonius rotor reaches a peak value
using a deflection angle equal to α = 30°, the power coefficient of the Savonius rotor
equal to Cp,max = 0.163 at a tip speed ratio TSR= 0.81. For the configuration without a
reaches a peak value equal to Cp,max = 0.163 at a tip speed ratio TSR= 0.81. For the config-
deflector, the maximum power coefficient is equal to Cp,max = 0.143 at a tip speed ratio
uration without a deflector, the maximum power coefficient is equal to Cp,max = 0.143 at a
TSR = 0.7. Thus, we numerically confirm an improvement in CP by 14%.
tip speed ratio TSR = 0.7. Thus, we numerically confirm an improvement in CP by 14%.
Water 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 22 of 24
Water 2021, 13, 273 21 of 23

CP

TSR
Figure20.
Figure Powercoefficient
20.Power coefficientfor
fordifferent
different deflection
deflection angles.
angles.

6. Conclusions
6. Conclusions
In this paper, experimental studies were carried out to assess the efficiency of a Savo-
niusIn thisinpaper,
rotor experimental
an irrigation studies
canal with were
a flow carriedofout
velocity V∞ to assess
= 0.86 m·the
s−1 .efficiency
In addition,of aa
Savonius rotor in an irrigation canal with a flow velocity of V ∞ = 0.86 m.s−1. In addition, a
deflector system was suggested and four deflector designs were numerically tested to ex-
deflector
amine their system was on
influence suggested and four
the efficiency of thedeflector
Savoniusdesigns were numerically
rotor. Computational tested to
investigations
examine
were conducted by means of the CFD code ANSYS FLUENT 17.0. The main outputsinvesti-
their influence on the efficiency of the Savonius rotor. Computational of this
gations
paper are were conducted
summarized as by means of the CFD code ANSYS FLUENT 17.0. The main
follows:
outputs of this paper are summarized as follows:
• The rotational speed of the Savonius rotor reaches a peak value of 119 rpm.
•• TheThe rotational
maximumspeed of the Savonius
experimental rotor reaches
power coefficient a peak
Cp max value
= 0.14 of 119 rpm.
is reached at a tip speed
• The
ratiomaximum
equal to TSR experimental
= 0.69. power coefficient Cp max = 0.14 is reached at a tip speed
• ratio
Fromequal to TSR = 0.69.
the numerical results, it has been confirmed that the performance parameters of
• From the numerical
the Savonius rotor are results, it haswith
improved beentheconfirmed
use of thethat the performance
upstream deflector. parameters
• of Thethemost
Savonius rotor are
performant improved with
configuration use of thestudied
over the different upstream deflector.
cases gives an improve-
• The
mentmost of 14%performant
in the power configuration
coefficient. over the different studied cases gives an im-
• provement
The proposed of 14% in thesystem
deflector poweraffects
coefficient.
the flow characteristics around the Savonius ro-
• The
tor. proposed deflector system affects the flow characteristics around the Savonius
rotor.
It is suggested that the present work may be extended for further experimental and
It is suggested
numerical that
studies on thethe presentdeflector
proposed work may be extended
system for design
by varying furtherparameters
experimental and
such as
numerical
height andstudies onplate
deflector the proposed deflector
profile with varyingsystem by varying design parameters such
flow rates.
as height and deflector plate profile with varying flow rates.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, M.M.; methodology, C.A. and M.S.; software, M.M., M.D.
and B.M.;
Author validation, C.A.,
Contributions: M.S. and Z.D.; formal
Conceptualization, M.M.;analysis, M.M. and
methodology, C.A.Z.D.;
andinvestigation, M.M.
M.S.; software, and
M.M.,
M.L.; resources, M.M.; data curation, M.M.; Writing—Original draft preparation, M.M.; Writing—
M.D. and B.M.; validation, C.A., M.S. and Z.D.; formal analysis, M.M. and Z.D.; investigation, M.M.
Review
and M.L.;and editing, M.M.,
resources, M.M.;C.A.,
data M.S. and Z.D.;
curation, visualization,
M.M.; M.M., C.A.,
Writing—Original draftM.S. and Z.D.;M.M.;
preparation, supervision,
Writ-
C.A., M.S. and
ing—Review Z.D.;
and project
editing, administration,
M.M., M.M.;
C.A., M.S. and funding
Z.D.; acquisition,
visualization, M.M.
M.M., AllM.S.
C.A., authors
andhave
Z.D.;read
su-
and agreed
pervision, to the
C.A., published
M.S. and Z.D.;version
projectofadministration,
the manuscript.M.M.; funding acquisition, M.M. All authors
have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional
Funding: ThisReview
researchBoard Statement:
received Notfunding.
no external applicable.
Institutional Review
Informed Consent Not applicable.
Board Statement:
Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement:
Data Availability Statement: The
Not applicable.
data presented in this study are available on request from the
corresponding author.
Water 2021, 13, 273 22 of 23

Acknowledgments: This research was supported by the Higher National Engineering School of
Tunis (ENSIT).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Abbreviations

C1ε constant of the k-ε turbulence model, dimensionless

c vane chord, m
D Savonius turbine diameter, m
Gk production term of turbulence, kg·m−1 ·s−3
H Savonius turbine height, m
k turbulent kinetic energy, m2 ·s−2
p average pressure, Pa
R Savonius turbine radius, m
s turbine shaft diameter, m
Tr turbine torque, N·m
t time, s
uj velocity components, m·s−1
ui0 fluctuating velocity components, m·s−1
V∞ flow velocity, m·s−1
xi Cartesian coordinate, m
x Cartesian coordinate, m
y Cartesian coordinate, m
z Cartesian coordinate, m
ε dissipation rate of the turbulent kinetic energy, W·kg−1
µ dynamic viscosity, Pa·s
µt turbulent viscosity, Pa·s
ρ density, kg·m−3
ω turbine rotational speed, rad·s−1
TSR tip-speed ratio, dimensionless
σk constant of the k-ε turbulence model, dimensionless
σε constant of the k-ε turbulence model, dimensionless
ψ Savonius turbine vane twist angle, ◦

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