Due to rapid climate change and switching of the public policy towards more eco-friendly power systems, there has been a spurt in research and development of renewable energy technologies over the last decade. Among various types of renewable energy resources, wind and solar energy are special since these forms get constantly replenished. In the context of wind energy, a vertical-axis Savonius wind turbine rotor is noted as a suitable option for small-scale power generation. It is a simple drag-based device where the pressure of the fluid stagnating within its blades causes the turbine to rotate. This turbine rotor is characterized by its high starting torque and lower operational efficiency. The performance of Savonius rotor primarily depends on various geometric and flow parameters like blade profile, overlap ratio, aspect ratio and Reynolds number (Re). The performance of Savonius rotor primarily depends on various geometric and flow parameters like blade profile, overlap ratio, aspect ratio and Reynolds&nbsp;number (Re). Among these parameters, blade profile is expected to have higher implication on power produced. Recent studies have shown that, choice of an elliptic blade can help to harness more wind energy, however, it is desirable to characterize this choice through detailed studies. In view of this, the present study focuses on the evaluation of performance of a two-elliptical-bladed turbine rotor for its dynamic torque and power characteristics. In order to characterize its performances, the this rotor is tested in a low-speed wind tunnel with closed test section having dimension of 1 m × 0.6 m × 0.6 m. The experiments have been carried out at different values of Re so as to characterize the performance of the turbine rotor with Re. The torque generated at different mechanical loading conditions is evaluated using a mechanical dynamometer. The results of power and torque coefficients as a function of tip-speed ratio are discussed.

Aerodynamic Performance Characterization of a Drag-Based Elliptical-Bladed  Savonius Wind Turbine Rotor

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/GTINDIA/GTINDIA2021/volume/85536

ASME 2021 Gas Turbine India Conference (GTINDIA2021)

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