A fluid dynamics model for wind turbine generators in equatorial environments

Abstract

Wind turbine generators represent a valid and sustainable alternative for a significant energy provision, which is increasingly demanded by the planet, and a number of generator models have been proposed for supporting their design. However, equatorial regions have very special conditions for their gravity and wind behavior. Therefore, we present here a new wind turbine-generator model suitable for equatorial environments. Our simulation system is based on computational fluid dynamics and the Navier-Stokes equation, accounting both for structural and energy efficiency considerations. The most relevant simulation parameters were shown to be the Shovel number, the rotor diameter, the generated power, and the working frequency. Simulation results were consistent with different gravity conditions affecting to the fluid viscosity and the blades weight, as well as with differences in uniform and turbulent wind flow behavior. The proposed model allows us to make decisions about the structure and optimal requirements suitable for equatorial regions.