Performance investigation of a small Savonius-Darrius counter-rotating vertical-axis wind turbine

This paper describes the study of a small vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) with a combined design of Darrius and Savonius counter-rotating rotors. The main purpose of this study is to improve the extraction capabilities of a single-rotor VAWT by using two distinct rotor designs while adopting the counter-rotating technique. Given that the conversion capabilities and operational speed of the existing wind turbines are still limited, the current technique is used to enhance the efficiency and expand the operating wind speed range of the VAWT. The Darrius and Savonius counter-rotating rotors were exposed to a similar upstream wind speed using a centrifugal blower. It was found that the Savonius-Darrius counter-rotating rotor was able to operate effectively, particularly at the low-speed wind. By looking at the individual performance of the rotors, it was observed that the conversion efficiency of the H-type rotor increases as the wind speed increases. However, in the case of the S-type rotor, it is higher at lower wind speed and tends to decrease as the operating speed increases. Thus, the maximum efficiency of the S-type rotor was achieved at low speed, whereas the H-type rotor has achieved its maximum efficiency at the highest operating wind speed. The average efficiency of the present Savonius-Darrius counter-rotating rotor has been improved to reach almost 42% and 30% more efficiency in terms of torque and power, respectively.     

舰船燃气轮机变几何动力涡轮通流特性的数值研究

基于叶轮机械三维粘性值模拟技术,本文研究了一个舰船燃气轮机四级变几何动力涡轮的通流特性及其气动性能,并分析了它的主要气流参数随可调导叶转动的变化规律。结果表明,可调导叶级的通流特性将决定整个变几何动力涡轮的气动性能。关小导叶可导致可调导叶级动叶处于较大正攻角而引起吸力面分离流动;反之,开大导叶导致相应的较大负攻角造成压力面分离流动。然而关小导叶引起的吸力面三维分离涡流场将导致变几何动力涡轮的效率更显著的下降。     

An improved radial impulse turbine for OWC

Traditionally, wells turbines have been widely used in OWC plants. However, an alternative has been studied over recent years: a self-rectifying turbine known as an impulse turbine. We are interested in the radial version of the impulse turbine, which was initially proposed by M. McCormick. Previous research was carried out using CFD (FLUENT^®), which aimed to improve knowledge of the local flow behavior and the prediction of the performance for this kind of turbine. This previous work was developed with a geometry taken from the literature, but now our goal is to develop a new geometry design with a better performance. To achieve this, we have redesigned the blade and vane profiles and improved the interaction between them by means of a new relation between their setting angles. Under sinusoidal flow conditions the new design improves the turbine efficiency by up to 5% more than the geometry proposed by Professor Setoguchi, in 2002. In this paper, the design criteria we have used is described, and the flow behavior and the performance of this new design are compared with the previous one.     

Study on an undershot cross-flow water turbine

This study aims to develop a water turbine suitable for ultra-low heads in open channels, with the end goal being the effective utilization of unutilized hydroelectric energy in agricultural water channels. We performed tests by applying a cross-flow runner to an open channel as an undershot water turbine while attempting to simplify the structure and eliminate the casing. We experimentally investigated the flow fields and performance of water tur- bines in states where the flow rate was constant for the undershot cross-flow water turbine mentioned above. In addition, we compared existing undershot water turbines with our undershot cross-flow water turbine after at- taching a bottom plate to the runner. From the results, we were able to clarify the following. Although the effec- tive head for cross-flow runners with no bottom plate was lower than those found in existing runners equipped with a bottom plate, the power output is greater in the high rotational speed range because of the high turbine ef- ficiency. Also, the runner with no bottom plate differed from rtmners that had a bottom plate in that no water was being wound up by the blades or retained between the blades, and the former received twice the flow due to the flow-through effect. As a result, the turbine efficiency was greater for runners with no bottom plate in the full ro- tational speed range compared with that found in runners that had a bottom plate.     

Numerical modelling of a supersonic axial turbine stator

In order to improve the turbocharging process,a supersonic axial turbine stator was modelled
numerically with a pulsatile inlet mass flow.The main objectives of the study were to find out how
pulsation affects the flow field and the performance of the stator.At the beginning of the study,a
supersonic turbine stator was modelled using three different techniques：quasi-steady,time-accurate
with constant boundary conditions and time-accurate with a pulsatile inlet mass flow.The time-
averaged and quasi-steady flow fields and performance were compared,and the flow field and stator
performance with a pulsatile inlet mass flow was studied in detail at different time-steps.A hysteresis-
like behaviour was captured when the total-to-static pressure ratio and efficiency were plotted as a
function of the inlet mass flow over one pulse period.The total-to-static pressure ratio and efficiency
followed the sinusoidal shape of the inlet flow as a function of time.It was also concluded that the
stator efficiency decreases downstream from the stator trailing edge and the amplitude of the
pulsating mass flow is decreased at the stator throat.     

The field performance of a remote 10 kW wind turbine

The collection and analysis of 15 months of continuously recorded field data from a small remote wind–diesel power system at a coastal farm site are reported. The paper focuses on the available wind data and the performance of the 10 kW Bergey wind turbine.     

Quantification of the effects of geometric approximations on the performance of a vertical axis wind turbine

With the soaring energy demands, an urge to explore the alternate and renewable energy resources has become the focal point of various active research fronts. The scientific community is revisiting the inkling to tap the wind resources in more rigorous and novel ways. Recent idea of net-zero buildings has prompted the realization of novel ideas such as employment of omni-directional vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) for roof-top application etc. Generally, owing to the high computational cost and time, different levels of geometric simplifications are considered in numerical studies. It becomes very important to quantify the effect of these approximations for realistic and logical conclusions. The detailed performance of a 2.5 m diameter VAWT is sequentially presented with various levels of approximations spanning from two-dimensional to complete three-dimensional geometry. The performance along with the flow physics with focus on tip effects, spanwise flow effects, effect of supporting arms and central hub is discussed. We conclude that two-dimensional approximation can over predict the performance by 32%. Similar trend is also observed for other geometric and flow approximations.     

Performance testing and comparison of turbine ventilators

A turbine ventilator is a device having a combined function of wind turbine and extract fan. Turbine ventilators are attractive replacements for electrical ventilation fans in terms of using wind energy. They are commonly used in attic, loft and rooftop spaces to facilitate ventilation in buildings at both domestic and industrial level. This study presents measurement of flow rates of four commercial turbine ventilators on a specifically designed experimental system. The ventilation flow rates and rotational speeds are taken at different wind speeds and compared with a simple open column and two standard vent hats. Use of a DC motor to power the ventilators in the absence of wind is described and power consumption against flow rate is given.     

新型竖轴潮流发电支撑结构的力学及模态分析

针对新型竖轴潮流发电支撑结构进行精细化建模,在3种不同工况下对结构进行线性静力分析,并在极端工况下对结构进行几何非线性静力分析,最后对结构整体进行模态分析。研究表明,几何非线性静力分析更接近实际情况,分析得到的最大应力比线性静力分析得到的最大应力略大;需注意杆件交点处或结构不同部位组合连接处,该处结构应力最大;水轮机正常运转时的频率不在结构自振频率范围之内,因而不会发生共振。     

Modelling and simulation of the dynamic performance of a natural-gas turbine flowmeter

Installations involving fluids often present problems in terms of the dynamic performances of their different parts. These problems can be analysed and dealt with at the design stage. This means that both the technologists who design the thermohydraulic process and those who carry out the regulation and control must be involved in the process from the early stages of the design.     

Hydrokinetic turbine array characteristics for river applications and spatially restricted flows

Multiple hydrokinetic turbines in three array configurations were characterized computationally by employing Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The simulations were conducted for pre-existing turbines operating at their optimum power coefficient of 0.43 which was obtained by design and optimization process. Mechanical power for two adjacent units was predicted for various lateral separation distances. An additional two-by-two turbine array was studied, mimicking a hydro-farm. Numerical simulations were performed using actual physical turbines in the field rather than using low fidelity models such as actuator disk theory. Steady state simulations were conducted using both Coupled and SIMPLE pressure-velocity solvers. Steady three dimensional flow structures were calculated using the k-ω Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model. At a lateral separation distance of 0.5D_t, the turbines produced an average 86% of the peak power a single turbine producing. Interaction effects at lateral separation distances greater than 2.5D_t were negligible. The wake interaction behind the upstream turbines causes a significant performance reduction for downstream turbines within 6D_t longitudinal spacing. Downstream turbines employed for the present study performed around 20% or less of a single unit turbine performance for the same operating conditions. Downstream turbines yielded comparable reductions in power to that of experimental results.     

Prediction of turbine blade heat transfer and aerodynamics using a new unsteady boundary layer transition model

The effects of periodic unsteady flow on heat transfer and aerodynamic characteristics, particularly on the boundary layer transition along the suction and the pressure surfaces of a typical gas turbine blade, are experimentally and theoretically investigated. Comprehensive aerodynamic and heat transfer experimental data are collected for different unsteady passing frequencies that are typical of gas turbines. To predict the effect of the impinging periodic unsteady flow on the heat transfer and the aerodynamics of turbine blades, a new unsteady boundary layer transition model is developed. The model is based on a universal unsteady intermittency function and utilizes an inductive approach that implements the results of comprehensive experimental and theoretical studies of unsteady wake development and the boundary layer flow. Three distinct quantities are identified as primarily responsible for the transition of an unsteady boundary layer: (1) the universal relative intermittency function, (2) maximum intermittency, and (3) minimum intermittency. The analysis of the experimental results and the comparison with the model prediction confirm the validity of the model and its capability to accurately predict the unsteady boundary layer transition.     

Experimental analysis of the aerodynamic performance of an innovative low pressure turbine rotor

In the present work the aerodynamic performances of an innovative rotor blade row have been experimentally investigated. Measurements have been carried out in a large scale low speed single stage cold flow facility at a Reynolds number typical of aeroengine cruise, under nominal and off-design conditions. The time-mean blade aerodynamic loadings have been measured at three radial positions along the blade height through a pressure transducer installed inside the hollow shaft, by delivering the signal to the stationary frame with a slip ring. The time mean aerodynamic flow fields upstream and downstream of the rotor have been measured by means of a five-hole probe to investigate the losses associated with the rotor. The investigations in the single stage research turbine allow the reproduction of both wake-boundary layer interaction as well as vortex-vortex interaction. The detail of the present results clearly highlights the strong dissipative effects induced by the blade tip vortex and by the momentum defect as well as the turbulence production, which is generated during the migration of the stator wake in the rotor passage. Phase-locked hot-wire investigations have been also performed to analyze the time-varying flow during the wake passing period. In particular the interaction between stator and rotor structures has been investigated also under off-design conditions to further explain the mechanisms contributing to the loss generation for the different conditions.     

Experimental characterization of a five blade tubular propeller turbine for pipe inline installation

The interest in micro-hydropower in existing infrastructure is increasing since this is a technology with low environmental impacts and potential for energy recovery in different types of installation. The technologies available for these schemes are still restricted and it is a current subject for research. In this work an experimental characterization of an inline tubular propeller suitable for pressurized systems, such as water supply and distribution networks, is presented. In the framework of the European Project HYLOW, started in 2008, a first prototype has been developed using CFD analysis and tested. Nevertheless, optimization and validation were still necessary. An improved model has been now adequately tested in the laboratory and proves to be interesting in terms of potential application. The experimental investigation evidenced that the new turbine has efficiencies of around 60% for low-headed operations, below 50 m.     

An improved method for incorporating magnetic saturation in the q-dsynchronous machine model

An improved technique for incorporating saturation into the q-d axis model (Park's model) of a synchronous machine is proposed. By choosing magnetizing flux linkage as a state variable, iterative procedures required by traditional methods are avoided. The saturation function is represented by an arctangent function which has some distinct advantages over polynomial representations and look-up tables. In particular, the parameters of the proposed function all have physical significance and the proposed function is defined over an infinite range of flux linkage. The model is verified for steady-state and transient conditions using a laboratory synchronous machine-rectifier system similar to those commonly used for naval and aerospace power generation     

Calculation of the VKI turbine blade with LES and DES

The prediction of the laminar to turbulent transition is essential in the calculation of turbine blades,compressorblades or airfoils of airplanes since a non negligible part of the flow field is laminar or transitional.In this paperwe compare the prediction capability of the Detached Eddy Simulation(DES)with the Large Eddy Simulation(LES)using the high-pass filtered(HPF)Smagorinsky model(Stolz et at.[1])when applied to the calculation oftransitional flows on turbine blades.Detailed measurements from Canepa et al.[2]of the well known VKI-turbineblade served to compare our results with the experiments.The calculations have been made on a fraction of theblade(10%)using non-reflective boundary conditions of Freund at the inlet and outer plane extended to internalflows by Magagnato et al.[3]in combination with the Synthetic Eddy Method(SEM)proposed by Jarrin et at.[4].The SEM has also been extended by Pritz et al.[5] for compressible flows.It has been repeatedly shown that hy-brid approaches can satisfactorily predict flows of engineering relevance.In this work we wanted to investigate ifthey can also be used successfully in this difficult test case.     

Analysis of the turbine standstill for a grid connected wind farm (case study)

In the present paper, several types of collected data were employed to analyse the causes of turbines shutdown in a grid-connected wind farm. Although the average availability of the considered wind farm exceeds 96%, the individual availability of some turbines does not exceed 92%. In this context, the present paper introduces a novel approach of understanding the turbine standstill and availability calculation. This approach is based on a variation of monthly energy production to weight the shutdown time including the maintenance and fault hours. The calm hours in summer are 60% less than the average calm time for the considered wind farm. The distribution of inoperative hours reveals a 300% difference between the original and weighed times of downtime. On the other hand, weighed times are used to assess the impact of various faults causing turbines shutdown. The frequency distribution of the faults has shown that 42% of turbine shutdowns are caused by network disturbances, 70% of them are attributed to grid disconnections. Finally, the time distribution of the network faults is investigated to illustrate their impact on the turbine standstill.     

Effect of streamwise fences on secondary flows and losses in a two-dimensional turbine rotor cascade

To control secondary flows,streamwise fences were attached to end wall of a linear turbine rotor cascade.Thecascade had 8 blades of 400 mm long and 175 mm chord.The blades deflected the flow by 120°.The fences weremade out of 0.7 nun thick brass sheet and the heights of the fences were 14 mm,18 mm respectively.The curva-ture of the fences was the same as that of the blade camber line.The fences were fixed normal to the end wall andat half pitch away from the blades.The experimental program consists of total pressure,static pressure measure-ments at the inlet and outlet of the cascade,by using five-hole probe.In addition,static pressure on the blade suc-tion surface and pressure surface was also obtained. Fences are effective in preventing the movement of the pres-sure side leg of the horseshoe vortex.Consequently the accumulation of low energy fluid on the suction surface isminimised.End wall losses are reduced by the fences due to weakening of the end wall cross flow.     

Effects of a turbine guide vane on hydrogen-air rotating detonation wave propagation characteristics

The rotating detonation engine is a new machine that can generate thrust via continuous rotating detonation waves (RDWs). In this study, experiments were performed on a structure combining a rotating detonation combustor (RDC) and a turbine guide vane to investigate the propagation characteristic of hydrogen-air RDW. The results showed that the velocity of detonation wave initially increased and then decreased with the increase of equivalence ratio, and it got a velocity of 84% Chapman-Jouguet value. The velocity of detonation wave generally rose by 4.31% comparing with the no guide vane tests, while the scope of steady-operation state became narrow. The oscillation pressure was reduced by 64% after passing through the guide vane, and the magnitude of pressure was only 0.4 bar at the guide vane exit. Meanwhile, part of the shock wave was reflected back to combustor resulting in some small pressure disturbances, and the propagation mode of reflected wave was related to the propagation direction of RDW.     

Study on the rotor design method for a small propeller-type wind turbine

Small propeller-type wind turbines have a low Reynolds number, limiting the number of usable airfoil materials. Thus, their design method is not sufficiently established, and their performance is often low. The ultimate goal of this research is to establish high-performance design guidelines and design methods for small propeller-type wind turbines. To that end, we designed two rotors: Rotor A, based on the rotor optimum design method from the blade element momentum theory, and Rotor B, in which the chord length of the tip is extended and the chord length distribution is linearized. We examined performance characteristics and flow fields of the two rotors through wind tunnel experiments and numerical analysis. Our results revealed that the maximum output tip speed ratio of Rotor B shifted lower than that of Rotor A, but the maximum output coefficient increased by approximately 38.7%. Rotors A and B experienced a large-scale separation on the hub side, which extended to the mean in Rotor A. This difference in separation had an impact on the significant decrease in Rotor A’s output compared to the design value and the increase in Rotor B’s output compared to Rotor A.