Optimum design configuration of Savonius rotor through wind tunnel experiments

On the performance analysis of Savonius rotor with twisted blades

Wind tunnel experiments of a newly developed two-bladed Savonius-style wind turbine

Energy crisis and high emission of fossil fuels are major driving forces for developing renewable energy based technologies. In order to meet growing demand for energy, hydropower can be one of the sustainable alternatives. Further, the hydrokinetic turbine is considered as one of the most emerging technologies which harness energy from flowing water. In this paper, an attempt has been made to review hydrokinetic energy theory for energy conversion system from water currents analogous to wind power system. The most widespread classes of hydrokinetic turbines are discussed in detail with respect to their benefits, drawbacks and desirable conditions for applications. It has been found that in spite of some prevailing downsides of vertical axis turbine like of self-starting and lower efficiency, vertical axis turbines are appealing for many riverine applications. One of the prominent turbines of its kind is the Savonius hydrokinetic turbine that has the capacity to self-start at a very low fluid velocity in the river, canal etc. However, Savonius type hydrokinetic turbine inherently has poor efficiency. A number of experimental and numerical studies with a large number of physical designs and parameters have been carried out in the area of Savonius rotor to enhance its efficiency. Under this study, review of different parameters affecting the performance of Savonius hydrokinetic turbine has been carried out and presented in this paper which may be useful for future studies to improve the efficiency of such turbines.

Performance parameters of Savonius type hydrokinetic turbine – A Review

The Savonius rotor is a drag-based vertical axis wind turbine and is used as an alternative source in small-scale energy generation. Design simplicity, low-cost, easy installation, good starting ab...

Review of experimental investigations into the design, performance and optimization of the Savonius rotor

The present investigation is aimed at exploring the feasibility of Savonius wind turbine blades for power generation, which has hitherto been limited to water pumping and grain grinding work. In this project, an attempt has been made to develop a twisted blade for its use in Savonius wind turbine rotors. The objective is to reduce the negative torque and the self-starting characteristics of a single stacked rotor system while maintaining a high rotational speed so that such a rotor system can be used for electricity generation. Tests have been carried out of semicircular (curved) and twisted blades both in a three bladed rotor system. Aerodynamic performance of these blades have been evaluated in a low speed wind tunnel on the basis of starting torque, power output and rotational speed at various setting angles and gap widths. Experimental investigation shows the potential of the twisted bladed rotor in terms of smooth running, higher coefficient of performance and self-starting capability as compared to that of the semicircular bladed rotor.

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A. S. Grinspan

Papers

Experimental Investigation of Twisted Bladed Savonius Wind Turbine Rotor