Performance analyses of a fixed-pitch straight-bladed VAWT with selected low Reynolds number airfoils

• Main Authors: Islam, Mazharul, Carriveau, Rupp, Fartaj, Amir
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 2012
• Subjects: TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/56607/1/12-IJES-PerformanceAnalysis-IslamEtAl-2012-PRINTED.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/56607/; http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00207233.2012.663226
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

One of the most important factors for cost-effective SB-VAWT product is the selection of an appropriate airfoil to achieve desired aerodynamic performance and to optimise the overall dimensions of the SB-VAWT. Design changes related to airfoil also have the potential for increasing the cost effectiveness of SB-VAWTs. This research aims to perform a detailed performance analysis on a series of low Reynolds number (RN) airfoils selected to enhance the performance of smaller capacity fixed-pitch SB-VAWT. Three low RN airfoils have been selected as candidates for the blades of a smaller-capacity SB-VAWT. The research compares their performances with that of a conventionally used symmetric NACA 0015 airfoil. It was found that all candidate low RN airfoils produced higher torque than the NACA 0015 at lower tip speed ratios. © 2012 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.