Numerical Study of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine with Spoiler Based on Orthogonal Experiments

Abstract

This paper investigated using spoilers to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of vertical-axis wind turbines. Taking the NACA0012 airfoil as the research object, the orthogonal experimental method design was employed to combine the parameters of the spoiler installation position. Then the wind energy utilization coefficient and the flow field structure of vertical-axis wind turbines were studied through numerical calculation, and the flow control mechanism of the spoiler and its effect on the aerodynamic performance of vertical-axis wind turbines were analyzed. The results show that the distance between the spoiler and the trailing edge of the blade is the main factor affecting the aerodynamic performance of vertical-axis wind turbines. By increasing the pressure difference between the suction and pressure surfaces of the blades, spoilers contribute to a higher aerodynamic performance of vertical-axis wind turbines. Additionally, the performance improvement effect on vertical-axis wind turbines is more significant at medium and low blade tip speed ratios. When the tip speed ratio is 1.8, the power coefficient of vertical axis wind turbines with spoilers is 25.3% higher than that of the original wind turbine.

Keywords

• vertical axis wind turbine
• spoiler
• tip speed ratio
• passive flow control
• power coefficient