Numerical and analytical study on telescopic savonius turbine blade

Abstract

Savonius wind turbines holds a vital place in small wind turbine arena, for its unique features such as simplicity, omni directionality and low maintenance, despite its lower efficiency than its counterparts. Several experimental and numerical studies focused on improving the efficiency and optimization of geometrical parameters, yet a reliable technique to reduce the thrust load at high wind is still lacking. The current study explores the novel idea of telescopic Savonius wind turbine with emphasis on the flow characteristics and associated drag on the buckets due to its geometric difference. A three-dimensional numerical study has been carried out by Star CCM+ to predict the drag coefficient variation in relation to the rotor angles. An analytical model is developed in conjunction to compute the overall performance of the turbine.