Two-Blade Savonius Wind Turbine CFD Simulation (2-D)

Savonius (Two-Blade) Wind Turbine, CFD Simulation (2-D) Ansys Fluent Training

In this project, a 2-D Savonius Wind Turbine has been simulated, and the simulation results have been investigated by ANSYS Fluent software. We perform this CFD project and investigate it by CFD analysis.

The savories wind turbine is a type of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) used to generate electricity from wind energy. The turbine consists of several curved airfoil blades mounted on a rotating shaft or framework. In this type of turbine, the main rotor is positioned vertically.

The most important advantage of vertical wind turbines is that they do not need to be adjusted to the wind direction and can also be used at low altitudes.

The three-dimensional geometry of this project has been produced with Design Modeler software. Two blades with 350mm diameter and 25mm thickness located in a rotating circle with 1000mm diameter surrounded by 8000mm*4000mm rectangle were sketched.

We carry out the model’s meshing using ANSYS Meshing software. The element number is 58468.

Also, the transient solver is enabled due to the present problem in which we have used the mesh motion option.

Savonius Methodology

In this project, a two-blade Savonius wind turbine was simulated using mesh motion in Ansys Fluent software, and the results were investigated. Air enters the fluid domain from the inlet with 10m/s velocity while the turbine rotates with a constant angular velocity of 40rpm.

Our final goal is to illustrate the pressure and velocity distribution and animate the fluid motion behind the turbine. Moreover, the SST k-omega model can solve turbulent fluid equations due to its advantage in capturing fluid flow patterns near and far from the blades’ surfaces.

Savonius Conclusion

After the solution, two-dimensional contours related to the pressure, velocity, and streamlines are obtained. Figures in this product gallery show a variety of contours of fluid changes during its motion through turbine blades.

According to the results, pressure and velocity distribution are distinctly different in the inner and outer blades. The flow enters the domain with 10m/s velocity.

After the collision with the inner blade, a tremendous pressure increase occurs, so the velocity magnitude decreases and reaches zero at a point known as stagnation point; This may cause negative torque that is not our preference.

On the other hand, the outer blade experience a high-velocity flow on its back, which tends to push the blade clockwise.