Numerical Investigation the Effect of the Different Tip Vanes on the Loading of an H-VAWT

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of the three typical tip vanes on the loading of an H-VAWT is investigated by employing the three-dimensional unsteady numerical simulation method. The results show that the both transient tangential force coefficient (CT) and normal force coefficient (Cn) have obvious change when the winglet and the V type vane is used at the blade's tip, respectively. However, in three tip vanes, the CT average value is the lowest and the CT fluctuation characteristic is the highest when the winglet is used. Although the winglet and V type vane contribute to change the transient CT and Cn, the normal force is increased too, it results in increasing fatigue loading and decreasing lifetime for H-VAWT. By comparison, the effect of the plate vane on the loading is weaker. Additionally, the winglet is advantage to improve power coefficient in the low tip speed ratio.