Design optimization of a Contra-Rotating VAWT: A comprehensive study using Taguchi method and CFD

• Published in: Energy conversion and management 2023-12, Vol.298, p.117766, Article 117766
• Main Authors: Radhakrishnan, Jayakrishnan, Sridhar, Surya, Zuber, Mohammed, Ng, Eddie Y.K., B., Satish Shenoy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerodynamics; Computational fluid dynamics; Contra-Rotating VAWT; Taguchi method; Vertical axis wind turbine
• ISSN: 0196-8904; 1879-2227
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2023.117766

With Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) showing promising capabilities in the recent years, lately there has been an increase in research towards the performance enhancements of said VAWTs, respectively. The following study emphasizes on the conceptual design optimization of a Contra-Rotating VAWT (CR-VAWT) using Taguchi method and CFD. Using the Taguchi method, a mixed level L16 (43×21) orthogonal array was implemented to study four critical design parameters for a CR-VAWT, which were Turbine Diameter, Axial Gap, Blade Height and Number of Blades, respectively. CFD analyses were performed on the 16 key design combinations obtained from the orthogonal array using URANS based models. Results obtained from both CFD and Taguchi methods indicate that the blade height exerted the greatest impact, while the number of blades had the least impact on the overall power performance of the CR-VAWT. Accordingly the optimal combination of design parameters were obtained for the optimal CR-VAWT, and comparisons between the optimal CR-VAWT and a Conventional VAWT (C-VAWT) indicated that the CR-VAWT showed better performance in terms of power characteristics throughout the range of Tip Speed Ratio tested and additionally indicating a 14% increase at the optimal TSR, which confirm that upon proper selection of design parameters, CR-VAWTs can show better performance than the C-VAWT. •The idea of Contra-Rotating VAWTs have not been explored enough.•Taguchi method along with CFD was implemented to obtain the optimal configuration for the contra-rotating VAWT.•Appropriate design of contra-rotating VAWT leads to higher power generation than a standalone VAWT.•Contra-Rotating VAWT also helps in delaying the onset of dynamic stall.