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A study of the near wake deformation of the X-Rotor vertical-axis wind turbine with pitched blades
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  • David Bensason,
  • Andrea Sciacchitano,
  • Adhyanth Giri Ajay,
  • Carlos Simao Ferreira
David Bensason
Technische Universiteit Delft Faculteit Luchtvaart- en Ruimtevaarttechniek

Corresponding Author:d.y.bensason@tudelft.nl

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Andrea Sciacchitano
Technische Universiteit Delft Faculteit Luchtvaart- en Ruimtevaarttechniek
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Adhyanth Giri Ajay
Technische Universiteit Delft Faculteit Luchtvaart- en Ruimtevaarttechniek
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Carlos Simao Ferreira
Technische Universiteit Delft Faculteit Luchtvaart- en Ruimtevaarttechniek
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Abstract

Recent studies have revealed the large potential of vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) for high-energy-density wind farms due to their favorable wake recovery characteristics. The present study provides an experimental demonstration and proof-of-concept for the wake recovery mechanism of the novel X-Rotor VAWT. The phase-locked flowfield is measured at several streamwise locations along the X-Rotor’s wake using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (PIV) with fixed-pitch offsets applied to the blades. The streamwise vortex system of the upper half of the X-Rotor is first hypothesized and then experimentally verified. The induced wake deformations of the vortex systems are discussed in comparison with previous studies concerning traditional H-type VAWTs. The results suggest that positive blade pitch is more favorable for accelerated wake recovery due to the dominant tip-vortex generated on the upwind windward quadrant of the cycle. Utilizing theoretical blade load variations along the span explains distinct unsteady flow features in the near wake generated at select quadrants of the rotor rotation, shedding light on the potential of the two pitch schemes.
17 Oct 2023Submitted to Wind Energy
17 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
17 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
17 Oct 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Jul 2024Editorial Decision: Accept