Analysis of the Patent of a Protective Cover for Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs): Simulations of Wind Flow

Jose Alberto Moleón Baca, Antonio Jesús Expósito González and Candido Gutiérrez Montes
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Jose Alberto Moleón Baca: Department of Physics, University of Jaén (Spain), Campus Universitario de las Lagunillas s/n, edificio A-3, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Antonio Jesús Expósito González: Fluid Mechanics Division, Department of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, University of Jaén (Spain), Campus Universitario de las Lagunillas s/n, edificio A-3, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Candido Gutiérrez Montes: Fluid Mechanics Division, Department of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, University of Jaén (Spain), Campus Universitario de las Lagunillas s/n, edificio A-3, 23071 Jaén, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 18, 1-17

Abstract: This paper presents a numerical and experimental analysis of the patent of a device to be used in vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) under extreme wind conditions. The device consists of two hemispheres interconnected by a set of conveniently implemented variable section ducts through which the wind circulates to the blades. Furthermore, the design of the cross-section of the ducts allows the control of the wind speed inside the device. These ducts are intended to work as diffusers or nozzles, depending on the needs of the installation site. Simulations were performed for the case of high-speed external wind, for which the ducts act as diffusers to reduce wind speed and maintain a well-functioning internal turbine. Four different patent designs were analyzed, focusing on turbine performance and generated power. The results indicate that the patent allows the generation of electric power for a greater range of wind speeds than with a normal wind turbine. The results support that this patent may be a good alternative for wind power generation in geographic areas with extreme weather conditions or with maintained or strong gusty wind. Experimental tests were carried out on the movement of the blades using the available model. Finally, the power curve of the model of this wind turbine was obtained.

Keywords: vertical-axis wind turbine; hemispherical cover; power generation; extreme wind conditions; computational fluid dynamics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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