Computational analysis of flow fields around flanged diffusers

Computation was done for flow fields around flanged diffusers to study small-type wind turbines. In these calculations, Spalart Allmaras & k–ε RNG turbulent models were used for solving corresponding Reynolds Average equations. Comparison of the computed results shows agreement with the corresponding experimental data. This indicates that the present models have the capability of providing reasonable predictions for the present complex turbulent flows. The wind turbine equipped with a flanged and inlet diffuser shroud which we study demonstrates by realizing remarkable increase in wind speed of 1.6–2.1 times that of the approaching wind speed. Our calculations under various conditions of diffuser opening angle and the flanged height, it is shown that the performance of a flanged diffuser strongly depends on the opening angle and flanged height because it greatly affects the nature of the separation appearing inside the diffuser. Finally, the effect of adding the diffuser inlet; explicitly reported.