Optimization of Varibable Pitching for VAWT at Low Tip Speed Ratio

In this work, variable active control pitching is applied to overcome the incapability of self-starting in NACA0018 three-bladed Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). The study is conducted at low tip speed ratio of zero, and one, using CFD SST turbulent Model in COMSOL Multyphysics (FEM Solver). First, single blade rotor of NACA0018 is investigated at tip speed zero and one respectively to specify the optimal pitching at each azimuthal angle from 0o-360o. Then the calculated data regarding the optimal pitching for single blade is applied to NACA0018 three bladed rotor at the same tip speeds. The resultant computed average torque per revolution from the three optimally pitched blades rotor is 8 times the torque of the same rotor without applying the active optimal pitching in the case of zero tip speed ratio. The torque is improved to 18 times in the case when the tip speed ratio is equal to one.