Computational fluid dynamics study of Savonius rotors using OpenFOAM

In this work, two-dimensional models of Savonius rotors are simulated using OpenFOAM(R)in order to predict the aerodynamic performance of small-scale vertical-axis wind turbines. The results are reported analyzing the aerodynamic performance and forces acting on the rotors. Power coefficient,(CP), is compared with experimental data for each operation point, and for three different geometries. Simulations with first- and second-order discretization schemes are carried out and compared, both quantitative and qualitative. Since usual grid dimensions result not to be suitable for simulations of Savonius rotors, an analysis of different domains is performed and compared. Finally, a set up for computational fluid dynamics simulation of two-dimensional Savonius rotors is proposed. The fluid-rotor interaction is analyzed and the vortex shedding is correlated withCPvalues and wake description.

Automated summary

This work simulated two-dimensional models of Savonius rotors to predict the aerodynamic performance of small-scale vertical-axis wind turbines using OpenFOAM(R). The results compared power coefficient with experimental data and analyzed forces acting on the rotors with different geometries. Simulations with first- and second-order discretization schemes were compared, along with an analysis of different domains to optimize grid dimensions for the simulations. Furthermore, a setup for computational fluid dynamics simulation of two-dimensional Savonius rotors was proposed to analyze fluid-rotor interaction and correlation of vortex shedding with CP values and wake description.