Comparison of “Rose, Aeroleaf, and Tulip” vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) and their characteristics for alternative electricity generation in urban and rural areas

Abstract

Global warming and reliance on fossil fuel resources have led to heightened interest in advancing renewable energy resources. A promising approach is the utilization of vertical axis wind turbines to generate electricity. In this study, a vertical axis wind turbine with a shape resembling an innovative rose flower-like is developed, additively manufactured, and numerically evaluated and compared with the existing model for further installation on an electricity generation system. The outcome of the design process produces the Rose turbine, which is subsequently compared to the Aeroleaf and Tulip turbines. The three turbine models were simulated to observe their response to wind speeds of 3 m/s, 6 m/s, and 9 m/s. As per the simulation results, the Rose turbine displays higher power values with increasing wind speed. Specifically, the Rose turbine can generate power of 0.12 W at 3 m/s wind speed, 0.67 W at 6 m/s, and 2.34 W at 9 m/s. At the low wind speed of 3 m/s, the rose turbine has tip and coefficient of power (Cp) values of 0.79 and 0.1. The generated power is the highest among the Tulip turbine and Aeroleaf turbine. The Rose turbine proves to be the optimal model. Furthermore, the results obtained from the experiment align with the simulation results. An Energy Payback Period analysis is also conducted to determine the optimal turbine that can achieve the shortest energy production time from the work done. The Rose turbine was a promising alternative solution for electricity generation systems in urban and rural areas.

Keywords

• Rose turbine
• Aeroleaf turbine
• Tulip turbine
• CFD
• VAWT