Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Numerical Simulation Approaches for Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines: Investigating Airfoil Design and Predictive Techniques

Version 1 : Received: 14 January 2024 / Approved: 15 January 2024 / Online: 15 January 2024 (10:43:01 CET)

How to cite: Adesiyan, A.; Akinnawo, O. Numerical Simulation Approaches for Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines: Investigating Airfoil Design and Predictive Techniques. Preprints 2024, 2024011088. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202401.1088.v1 Adesiyan, A.; Akinnawo, O. Numerical Simulation Approaches for Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines: Investigating Airfoil Design and Predictive Techniques. Preprints 2024, 2024011088. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202401.1088.v1

Abstract

The application of numerical simulation methods for studying vertical-axis wind turbines offers significant advantages over conventional horizontal-axis wind turbines regarding wind energy utilisation, start-up wind speed, and environmental impact. This paper aims to investigate and establish the aerodynamic design performance of asymmetrical (NACA 4412) airfoils used in the application of vertical-axis wind turbines. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation uses Ansys software based on the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations. The aerodynamic parameters (pressure and velocity) are evaluated and compared within a range of angles of attack (AoA) 5-12 degrees at a fixed Reynolds number, as is a usual condition for wind turbine application. The lift coefficient (Cl), drag coefficient (Cd), and Cl/Cd ratio are obtained within the range AoA for the asymmetrical airfoils, and the performances have been predicted using the potential flow panel and CFD methods. This study suggests that while Xfoil may not be as precise as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), its predicted lift and drag coefficients generally align with experimental results. These help us to understand the best air-foil selection in a wind turbine application and predict its optimum AoA at which it performs at its best.

Keywords

Lift-Drag coefficient, Airfoil, numerical simulation, NACA 4412, CFD

Subject

Engineering, Energy and Fuel Technology

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