Theoretical performance analysis of a horizontal axis wind turbine fitted with a diffuser with different dimensions

Abstract

The present study considers a new wind power technology called "DAWT” diffuser augmented wind turbine equipped with a brim “wind-lens” in order to investigate the aerodynamic performance characterized by this technology. To achieve this objective, many models of DAWT with different shroud dimensions is numerically investigated using ANSYS CFD software's. Four types of compact-style DAWT are investigated experimentally, with different diffuser sectional shapes, length ratios Lt/D and area ratios AR (exit area / throat area). The results showed that the diffuser type of a cycloid curve for its sectional shape and with (Lt/D =0.221 and AR =1.294) is the most promising shroud shape. It has been chosen in this thesis to investigate the effect of varying the radial tip clearance and the diffuser length on the aerodynamic performance of it.