Three-dimensional simulation of a complete Vertical Axis Wind Turbine using overlapping grids

Three-dimensional simulations of the aerodynamic field around a three-blade straight-axis Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) are presented for two values of the Tip Speed Ratio lambda (TSR), namely lambda = 1.52 and lambda = 2.5. Numerical simulations were carried out using the over-set grid solver ROSITA (ROtorcraft Software ITAly). The Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations are completed by the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model. A strong interaction between the blade and the blade wakes is evidenced. Dynamic stall is observed in the case lambda = 2.5. The computed flow-field presents diverse three-dimensional effects, including the interaction between the blades and the tip vortices and the aerodynamic disturbances from the turbine shaft and the support arms. Three-dimensional effects are more relevant for lambda = 2.5. The comparison to experimental data confirms the general features of the flow. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.