Optimization and analysis of self-starting capabilities of vertical axis wind turbine pairs: A CFD-Taguchi approach

Esmaeel Fatahian, Rakesh Mishra, Frankie Jackson, Hossein Fatahian

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Optimizing vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) pairs is vital for addressing future energy needs, given that their power and aerodynamics are notably affected by wake interactions. This study investigates the self-starting behavior of adjacent rotors, using dynamic Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) start-up models with variable angular velocities. A Taguchi-based design of experiment (DoE) methodology, coupled with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), is employed to optimize design parameters for rotor pairs, enhancing self-starting characteristics. Results demonstrated that the angle between adjacent rotors (factor D) strongly affected the start-up time of second rotor, while blade number (factor B) had least impact. In optimized layout, the downstream rotor (rotor 2) self-started faster than the upstream rotor (rotor 1) at a lower angular velocity of 57 rad/s, indicating the ability of rotor 2 to initiate self-start at a lower tip speed ratio than rotor 1. However, start-up time of rotor 1 is also influenced by rotor 2, which accelerated later than a single rotor. In optimized layout, the wake zone of rotor 1 shifts downward, recovers significantly, and reduces in size by 50% compared to a single rotor. This allows for more rotors in designated zones, benefiting from increased momentum and enhancing wind farm layout design.
Original languageEnglish
Article number117614
Number of pages18
JournalOcean Engineering
Volume302
Early online date28 Mar 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jun 2024

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