Sensitivity analysis of geometric parameters of a Darrieus vertical wind turbine through Morris method

Abstract

The demand for alternative and renewable energy sources has been substantially grown in recent years as a result of, among others, economic and environmental aspects of conventional sources such as petroleum and its derivatives. In this context, energy sources such as solar and wind have emerged as attractive renewable sources. The growth of wind energy in Brazil and around the world requires the development of new technologies with more efficient equipment in order to meet energy needs. Wind turbines, equipment that converts kinetic energy from the wind into electricity, are commonly related to large-scale generation wind farms, in which horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) are usually applied. However, due to problems related to the sustainable development of large wind farms, there is a need for technological development related to the generation of small-scale wind turbines, in special for the wind turbines of the vertical axis (VAWTs). In this context, this project aims to contribute to the development of the Brazilian's wind technology, focusing on small scale wind turbines for decentralized power generation. For this purpose, computational modeling of a small-scale Darrieus vertical wind turbine will be carry-out in order to evaluate the impact on the turbine's performance coefficient (Cp) as a function of the geometric parameters: aerodynamic profile chord length, number of blades, angle of attack and diameter. The numerical modeling is two-dimensional, incompressible, turbulent and transient flow, under different operating conditions (TSR - Tip Speed Ratio), where the numerical analysis (CFD) will be submitted to the sensitivity analysis using the Elemental Effects Method proposed by Morris. Besides identifying the most influential parameters on wind turbine performance, a phenomenological study related to dynamic flow through wind turbines will be conducted. This research project proposal has the potential to contribute to the development of an engineering area that is still under development by the scientific community, encouraging the installation of small-scale wind turbines in urban or isolated regions, contributing to suitable use of the vast Brazilian wind potential. (AU)