Analysis of diffuser augmented wind turbine (DAWT) with flange and curved interior using CFD

Abstract

Demand for electrical current is very high, especially for urban areas. To meet this condition, it is considered necessary to build a system that can function effectively. Micro-scale wind turbines would be a suitable choice to provide electricity particularly in residential areas. However, the wind velocity in Indonesia that only average less than 5 m/s may prove to be an obstacle that needs to be dealt with. One concept to solve problems in areas that have low wind speed is the use of Diffuser Augmented Wind Turbine (DAWT). DAWT is the development of horizontal wind turbines that use shroud as a concentrator that can boost a low wind speed. In this study, flanges and a curved interior were added to an existing DWAT design. A CFD simulation is used to obtain the suitable shape or design of the micro-scale wind turbines. Geometry obtained by using a diffuser with curved interior diameter of 115 mm, length 230 mm, the tilt angle of 9° and flange height is 0.6 h / D. Using this geometry specification, wind velocity is increased up to 2.15 times than free stream velocity.