A new type of VAWT and blade optimization

In this paper, the reason is analyzed that the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is always with low efficiency, on the basis that a new type of VAWT with windshield is proposed (WS-VAWT). The geometry characteristic of windshield has great influence on aerodynamic performance. Based on Bezier function, by introducing two parameters, i.e. Camber-X and Camber-Y, bowed blade related design changes also have the potential for increasing the effectiveness of WS-VAWT. The CFD technique is introduced to investigate its aerodynamic performance. The results indicate that the new type of WS-VAWT can smooth away the defects of the traditional VAWT and hope to improve its efficiency. Optimum values of the inclination angle β between the bottom of windshield and x axis and Camber of bowed blade giving highest values of the torque, have been systematically researched. The calculation identified the optimum windshield and bowed blade dimensions for improved performance of the system.