Effective Parameters Optimization of a Small Scale Gorlov Wind Turbine, Using CFD Method

In the present study, a Gorlov Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) in small dimensions was numerically simulated using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of design and operational parameters on the Gorlov VAWT performance. In order to evaluate the efficiency of this turbine, two parameters of power and torque coefficients are calculated, and their values ​​are compared in the different Tip Speed Ratios (TSR). This paper investigates effective parameters namely inlet wind velocity, blade chord length, helical angle, aspect ratio, and blade airfoil profile. The results show that the turbine with V=15(m/s), c =0.25(m), ψ =30(deg), φ= 2.3 increased maximum Cp by 75%, 273%, 30% and 250%, respectively. In order to find optimal conditions to achieve a higher value of Cp, the Kriging optimization method is provided. The results of Cp show that the highest efficiency of Gorlov VAWT is related to an inlet wind velocity of 15 (m/s), an aspect ratio of 2.3, a helical angle of 30 degrees, a chord length of 0.25 (m), and NACA0018 airfoil profile at TSR of 1.8. Also, sensitivity analysis indicates that blade chord length and helical angle have more effect on mentioned VAWT performance. The Cp and Cm in the mentioned conditions are high enough thus it helps self-starting capability.