Author: Nguyen Trinh
Trinh, Nguyen, 2023 Design and Modelling Optimisation of VAWT-X Wind Turbine, Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering
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Rapid reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is crucial in the fight against climate change. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through the use of wind turbines. VAWT-X Energy is currently conducting research and development on their patented airfoil vertical axis wind turbines, which have the potential to be highly efficient when compared to horizontal axis wind turbines. A more efficient version of the helical-blade vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) needs to be created and added to the current generator model owned by VAWT-X Energy. The proposed model considers the angles of the helical blades in the calculation, which allows for a clear demonstration of the differences in torque distribution between straight-bladed and helical-bladed VAWTs. It has been demonstrated that the torque on helical blades is evenly distributed, while there is a significant fluctuation of torque in the straight-blade VAWT. The VX-6/5 prototype and wind tunnel have been successfully modified and constructed for the purpose of the experiment. The validation of the proposed model is heavily dependent on these pieces of equipment. The results of the proposed model have been validated by comparing them with various VAWT models in the literature and achieving a good match in results. In addition, a good agreement is also achieved while comparing with the experimental results collected from the VX-6/5 testing. The proposed model is successfully integrated with the current generator model, and a strong agreement is reached through comparison with the parametric model developed by Lu and Zanj. The proposed model requires improvements to function at wind speeds below 3.5 m/s. Furthermore, it is possible to enhance both the wind quality and the experimental setup capacity by either incorporating additional components into the wind tunnel or upgrading to more powerful fans. Although It was demonstrated the new integrated parametric model works with few testing parameters, more components and enhancements are required to further increase its modelling capacity.
Keywords: Aerodynamic performance, DMST model, Gorlov VAWT, Physics-based modelling, Wind Energy,
Subject: Engineering thesis
Thesis type: Masters
Completed: 2023
School: College of Science and Engineering
Supervisor: Dr. Amir Zanj