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Power performance assessment of H-rotor vertical axis wind turbines with different aspect ratios in turbulent flows via experiments

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  • Peng, H.Y.
  • Lam, H.F.
  • Liu, H.J.

Abstract

Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are suitable for applications in urban areas. Their ultimate power production relies on both the structural parameters and wind conditions. In this study, the power performance of H-rotor VAWTs immersed in turbulence of various length scales was assessed via wind tunnel testing. The influence of turbine aspect ratio on the power performance was investigated in the turbulent flows. A range of length scales were produced by wooden grids of different mesh sizes. The power coefficients, CP, of the VAWTs were measured by connecting an external resistance in the rotor circuit. Uncertainty analysis of the experimental data was conducted thereafter. Encouragingly, the rated CP was raised by approximately 100% in the turbulent flows compared to that in the smooth flow. The results evidently proved that turbulence was favorable for the operation of VAWTs. Moreover, the rated CP was inversely proportional to length scale, whereas it increased with aspect ratio, irrespective of flow regimes, the underline reasons for which were addressed. Further, the power-law equations were proposed to mathematically express the length scale and aspect ratio effects. This study contributes to the design and application of VAWTs in built environments.

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  • Peng, H.Y. & Lam, H.F. & Liu, H.J., 2019. "Power performance assessment of H-rotor vertical axis wind turbines with different aspect ratios in turbulent flows via experiments," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C), pages 121-132.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:173:y:2019:i:c:p:121-132
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.01.140
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    6. Peng, H.Y. & Han, Z.D. & Liu, H.J. & Lin, K. & Lam, H.F., 2020. "Assessment and optimization of the power performance of twin vertical axis wind turbines via numerical simulations," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(P1), pages 43-54.
    7. Barnes, Andrew & Marshall-Cross, Daniel & Hughes, Ben Richard, 2021. "Towards a standard approach for future Vertical Axis Wind Turbine aerodynamics research and development," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    8. Ni, Lulu & Miao, Weipao & Li, Chun & Liu, Qingsong, 2021. "Impacts of Gurney flap and solidity on the aerodynamic performance of vertical axis wind turbines in array configurations," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(PA).
    9. Reddy, K. Bheemalingeswara & Bhosale, Amit C., 2024. "Influence of aspect ratio on the performance and wake recovery of lift-type helical hydrokinetic turbine," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 289(C).
    10. Xu, Wenhao & Li, Gaohua & Zheng, Xiaobo & Li, Ye & Li, Shoutu & Zhang, Chen & Wang, Fuxin, 2021. "High-resolution numerical simulation of the performance of vertical axis wind turbines in urban area: Part I, wind turbines on the side of single building," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 461-474.
    11. Tong, Guoqiang & Yang, Shengbing & Li, Yan & Feng, Fang, 2023. "Effects of blade tip flow on aerodynamic characteristics of straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbines," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    12. Shubham, Shubham & Naik, Kevin & Sachar, Shivangi & Ianakiev, Anton, 2023. "Performance analysis of low Reynolds number vertical axis wind turbines using low-fidelity and mid-fidelity methods and wind conditions in the city of Nottingham," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    13. Guanghao Li & Guoying Wu & Lei Tan & Honggang Fan, 2023. "A Review: Design and Optimization Approaches of the Darrieus Water Turbine," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-28, July.

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