OPTIMIZING AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE OF H-DARRIEUS VAWTS: A COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS APPROACH

Abstract

This study investigates the aerodynamic performance optimization of a three-bladed H-Darrieus Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, with a focus on the NACA0015 airfoil. The analysis was conducted across various Tip Speed Ratios (TSRs) and wind speeds to identify optimal operating conditions. The results revealed that the turbine achieves maximum efficiency at a TSR of approximately 3.0, where the power coefficient (Cp) reaches its peak. The NACA0015 airfoil demonstrated a balanced lift-to-drag ratio, contributing to consistent performance across a range of conditions. The study also highlighted the impact of dynamic stall and flow separation on turbine efficiency, particularly at lower and higher TSRs. Validation against experimental data confirmed the reliability of the CFD model, with minor discrepancies attributed to the limitations of 2D simulations. The findings provide valuable insights for the design and optimization of H-Darrieus VAWTs, emphasizing the importance of TSR management, airfoil design, and turbulence control for maximizing efficiency.