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A Study on the Effect of Turbulence Intensity on Dual Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine Aerodynamic Performance

Author

Listed:
  • Yanan Yang

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226001, China
    Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Wind Energy Application, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226001, China)

  • Yang Cao

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226001, China
    Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Wind Energy Application, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226001, China)

  • Zhong Qian

    (Nantong Institute of Technology, No. 211, Yongxing Road, Nantong 226001, China)

  • Jian Wang

    (Nantong Institute of Technology, No. 211, Yongxing Road, Nantong 226001, China)

  • Yixian Zhu

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226001, China)

  • Xia Chen

    (Nantong Institute of Technology, No. 211, Yongxing Road, Nantong 226001, China)

  • Wendong Zhang

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226001, China
    Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Wind Energy Application, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226001, China)

  • Yujie Wang

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226001, China
    Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Wind Energy Application, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226001, China)

  • Guoqing Wu

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226001, China
    Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Wind Energy Application, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226001, China)

  • Shaohua Chen

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226001, China
    Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Wind Energy Application, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226001, China)

Abstract

Examining dual vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) across various turbulence scenarios is crucial for advancing the efficiency of urban energy generation and promoting sustainable development. This study introduces a novel approach by employing two-dimensional numerical analysis through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to investigate the performance of VAWTs under varying turbulence intensity conditions, a topic that has been relatively unexplored in existing research. The analysis focuses on the self-starting capabilities and the effective utilization of wind energy, which are key factors in urban wind turbine deployment. The results reveal that while the impact of increased turbulence intensity on the self-starting performance of VAWTs is modest, there is a significant improvement in wind energy utilization within a specific turbulence range, leading to an average power increase of 1.41%. This phenomenon is attributed to the more complex flow field induced by heightened turbulence intensity, which delays the onset of dynamic stall through non-uniform aerodynamic excitation of the blade boundary layer. Additionally, the inherent interaction among VAWTs contributes to enhanced turbine output power. However, this study also highlights the trade-off between increased power and the potential for significant fatigue issues in the turbine rotor. These findings provide new insights into the optimal deployment of VAWTs in urban environments, offering practical recommendations for maximizing energy efficiency while mitigating fatigue-related risks.

Suggested Citation

  • Yanan Yang & Yang Cao & Zhong Qian & Jian Wang & Yixian Zhu & Xia Chen & Wendong Zhang & Yujie Wang & Guoqing Wu & Shaohua Chen, 2024. "A Study on the Effect of Turbulence Intensity on Dual Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine Aerodynamic Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:16:p:4124-:d:1459252
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Omboto, Jane Kwamboka & Kamau, Joseph Ngugi & Saoke, Churchill Otieno & Wekesa, David W., 2026. "Wake Effects and Energy Yield Optimization under Realistic Wind Conditions at Ngong Hill Wind Farm," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS), vol. 11(3), pages 877-905, March.
    2. Jan Michna & Krzysztof Rogowski, 2024. "A Refined Approach for Angle of Attack Estimation and Dynamic Force Hysteresis in H-Type Darrieus Wind Turbines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-25, December.
    3. Baizhuma, Zhandos & Kalassov, Nurdaulet & Manatbayev, Rustem & Isataev, Muhtar & Seydulla, Zhanibek & Georgiev, Aleksandar, 2026. "Time-resolved CFD analysis of torque generation in an L-shaped vertical-axis wind turbine," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 344(C).

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