Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) have a relatively simple, rugged construction compared to HAWTs. However, vertical-axis wind turbines have numerous challenges that may hinder their performance. For instance they are strongly affected by dynamic stall at low tip speed ratios. A significant part of the kinetic energy contained in the oncoming wind is lost in swirl and vortices. As a result, VAWTs have a lower power production and efficiency compared to HAWTs. In an effort to alleviate the adverse effects of dynamic stall phenomena, the present study explores the use of two-element airfoils. A comparative study of single element and dual element VAWT configurations for representative VAWT turbines is given. The benefits of dual-element configurations are analyzed through a detailed flow visualization study of the single and two-element VAWT configurations at various azimuthal locations for a representative tip speed ratio. Analysis of these qualitative phenomena is complemented by a discussion on quantitative data for torque, surface pressure distributions, and airloads.
The interest in sustainable forms of energy is being driven by the anticipated scarcity of traditional fossil fuels over the coming decades. There is also a growing concern about the effects of fossil fuel emissions on human health and the environment. Many sources of renewable energy are being researched and implemented for power production. In particular, wind power generation by vertical-axis wind turbines is one of the option often considered. This option offers a robust design because of the relative simplicity of its technology. However, it also presents challenges that are inherent to its very concept. These systems suffer from dynamic stall, noticeably one of the main causes of the loss of performance. A dual-element concept is proposed as a way of alleviating the losses due to the dynamic stall. An economic analysis is done to establish the economic viability of the model. The Great Coast of Senegal is selected as a site of operation in this study.
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