Enhancing the efficiency of a Darrieus wind rotor through the addition of deflectors

Abstract

Darrieus wind rotors have attracted considerable interest in the wind energy sector due to their capability for effective energy capture. Existing research indicates that various strategies have been employed to improve the effi ciency of these rotors, including enhancements in rotor design and the integration of advanced deflectors, which have been shown to significantly boost turbine performance. However, challenges persist in further optimiz ing the power coefficient. This study seeks to address these challenges by examining the effects of deflectors on Darrieus rotor performance. Through the use of numerical simulations and experimental validation, a novel approach designed is introduced to maximize wind energy utilization. The maximumpowercoefficientvalueof0.554isobservedfortheoptimizedcase at a tip speed ratio of 2.65. This represents a 47.44% improvement in peak power coefficient compared to a conventional Darrieus rotor. This study provides key insights into vertical-axis wind turbines and supports the ongoing effort to enhance their efficiency