Work

Parameter Optimization Design of Adaptive Flaps for Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: To enhance the aerodynamic performance of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) under complex gust conditions, the design parameters of the flap were optimized using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method combined with orthogonal experimental design and the SHERPA algorithm, and two gust models with mainly high and low wind speeds were generated by a self-compiling program to investigate the effects of three combinations of the chordwise mounting position of the flap, the moment of inertia, and the maximum deflection angle on the aerodynamic performance of the vertical axis wind turbine. The results demonstrated that adaptive flaps reduced the flow separation region and suppressed the formation and development of separation vortices, thereby enhancing aerodynamic performance. The adaptive flap was found to be more effective in high-speed gust environments than in low-speed ones. The optimal configuration—chordwise position at 0.4C, moment of inertia at 6.12 × 10−5 kg·m2, and a maximum deflection angle of 40°—led to a 57.24% improvement relative to the original airfoil.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en18164333

Authors: Zhenxu Ran, Weipao Miao, Yongqing Lai, Yurun Pan, Huahao Ou, Ruize Zhang

Institutions: University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Powerchina Huadong Engineering Corporation (China)

Language: English

Topic: Wind Energy Research and Development

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137