Numerical investigation of effects of airfoil shape on aerodynamics performance of hybrid vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)

Project Title The title of the project is ?Numerical investigation of effects of airfoil shape on aerodynamics performance of hybrid vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)?. Proposal Statement The effects of airfoil parameters on the power output and

Project Title

Numerical investigation of effects of airfoil shape on aerodynamics performance of hybrid vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)

Project Area of Specialization

Mechanical Engineering

Project Summary

Project Title

The title of the project is ”Numerical investigation of effects of airfoil shape on aerodynamics performance of hybrid vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)”.

Proposal Statement

The effects of airfoil parameters on the power output and efficiency of VAWT are to be studied along with airfoil optimizations based on geometric parameters encapsulating 2D and 3D Analysis coupled with fabrication, testing, and validation of computational results.

Scope of Project

VAWT is an ever-increasing source of renewable energy that can be utilized to provide cost-effective, reliable, clean, and environment-friendly means of power.

Project Objectives

Project Objective:

The effects of airfoil parameters on the power output and efficiency of VAWT are to be studied along with airfoil optimizations based on geometric parameters encapsulating 2D and 3D Analysis coupled with fabrication, testing, and validation of computational results. This will enable improved generation of a clean and reliable source of energy that will be able to support the ever-growing populace and equip them with the ability to produce an environment-friendly and theoretically infinite supply of energy.

Project Implementation Method

Project Approach

The project would be divided into four phases listed below,

• Data Acquisition for varying Airfoils based on Power Output Requirements.
• 2D and 3D Analysis of Efficiency and Power Production of Airfoil Database.
• Airfoil Optimization for Improved Efficiency along with reduced Torque Ripple and Analysis into the effect Airfoil Stall Characteristics on Efficiency.
• Fabrication of VAWT along with Wind Tunnel Testing for Validation of Theoretical Results

Data Acquisition for varying Airfoils based on Power Output Requirements:

A multitude of airfoils will be selected based on past research work. Various parameters for the airfoil will be selected and compared to evaluate the optimal parameters that best controls the efficiency and power output.

2D and 3D Analysis of Efficiency and Power Production of Airfoil Database:

2D airfoil analysis will be carried out initially utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics. Initial results will serve as a basis for further 3D analysis which will incorporate not only the airfoil but the complete VAWT as a whole.

Airfoil Optimization for Improved Efficiency along with reduced Torque Ripple and Analysis into the effect Airfoil Stall Characteristics on Efficiency:

Based on the acquired data airfoil characteristics that most impact efficiency will be determined and incorporated into creating an airfoil that improves the efficiency of the VAWT.

Fabrication of VAWT along with Wind Tunnel Testing for Validation of Theoretical Results:

The final stage of the process will be focused on creating a small-scale model of the VAWT along with its live testing by utilizing the wind tunnel and determining the power output and efficiency of the model and comparing the CFD results will practical data.

Benefits of the Project

Relevance to National Needs:

Pakistan is currently facing an extreme energy crisis. Electricity shortages exceeded 7,000 megawatts in 2011; the gas shortfall is 2 billion cubic feet per day. The energy shortages are estimated to cost around 2 percent of GDP annually. This shortfall is the result of the failure, over successive governments’ tenures, to invest enough to expand power system capacity.

Strategic Topographical Locations in Pakistan

• There are many regions in Pakistan that are windy almost throughout the year and since these VAWT have the advantage of taking air from any direction it matters not if the wind is unidirectional or not. A few regions are as follows:
• The Gharo-Jhimpir Wind Corridor in Sindh was identified as the most lucrative site for wind power plants. The wind power potential covered an area of 9700 km2 with a gross wind power potential of 43000 MW.
• The ACT wind farm located in Sindh is also a viable option for a VAWT Wind Turbine.
• The Saphire Wind Power Plant is a 52.8 MW power-producing plant.

VAWT - The Future of Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy provides a cheaper form of energy as opposed to burning carbon-based fuel. This further provides cleaner air and water which further assists in solving the polluted water problem that has infested many urban areas. Within renewable energy, though the option of HAWT is present, VAWT is a more viable choice since it is cost-effective and can be installed close to urban regions.

Power Production of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine:

Research studies have shown that a packed arrangement of the vertical axis wind turbine produces power comparable to the horizontal axis wind turbine without a significant drop in efficiency. Even though the vertical axis wind turbine produces little power in comparison to a horizontal axis wind turbine per unit tighter spacing of the closely packed counter-rotating arrangement produces greater power densities when compared making the VAWT a highly efficient and productive choice for utilization in wind farms where the major drawback of wind energy i.e., utilization of large amounts of space is addressed. Even though modern HAWT farms have the ability to give 2- 3 W per square meter, experiments with VAWT farms have revealed that a potential production of 30 W per square meter is possible.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The expected deliverables are as follows:

• Development of Airfoil Database
• Development of CAD Model of the VAWT
• Development CFD model of the VAWT
• 2D and 3D Analysis of fluid properties using CFD
• Development of Small-Scale Model of the VAWT
• Validation of CFD results will real-world tests

The Additional Deliverables would be as follows:

• Varying Angle of Attack mechanics for VAWT model
• Helical blade design

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Core Industry

Energy

Other Industries

Education

Core Technology

Others

Other Technologies

Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities

Required Resources

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