A vortex model for the vertical axis wind turbine

Abstract

Various methods have been developed to predict the performance and aerodynamic loads of the Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine. The most accurate of these is the vortex method developed by Strickland (1981). As implemented in the program, VDART (Vortex method for the DARrieus Turbine), the vortex method proved to be uneconomical because of the large computation times required for convergence to a solution. In the present study, significant savings in computation time are achieved by assuming that the wake convection velocity can be determined at the time of vortex generation. A new program, VDART-TURBO, has been developed using this time saving assumption. Both two-and three-dimensional versions have been successfully implemented. The two-dimensional version, VDART2T, has been successful in reproducing both experimental and computational results achieved by Strickland (1979,1981). The three-dimensional version, VDART3T, is presently in the advanced stages of development, and promises to be highly effective in reducing computational time, while maintaining an acceptable degree of accuracy.