Performance Analysis of Savonius Wind Rotor Using Open Jet Wind Tunnel

Abstract

Wind energy is one of the cleanest renewable energies on globe for generating power. However, it is very challenging to design and develop a wind turbine, which has self starting ability at low wind speed, simple and cost-effective construction. The savonius vertical axis wind turbine appears to be promising for such conditions. The experimental and computational studies are conducted to measure pressure and velocity of the air on the concave and convex surfaces of the savonius rotor at different rotor angles. A two dimensional savonius rotor model is analysed in ANSYS for computational simulation. The shear stress transport k-w turbulence model is used for simulation. As a result, it is found that a less pressure region is developed on the convex surface while, high pressure is acted on the concave surface of the advancing blade. The maximum pressure acted between 900 and 1350 while, minimum pressure is noted from 150 and 600 tap angles for advancing and returning blades. Therefore, the vent is designed at that position which is compared to the conventional savonius rotor. It is found that vent at 1350 tap angle is better than 1200 tap angle.