Simulation of Shrouded Wind Turbine Performance

<p>The objective of this research is to enhance the diffuser parameters of shrouded Wind Turbine (Diffuser Augmented Wind Turbine DAWT). The study investigates different parameters of diffuser shape like inlet shroud curvature, diffuser flange height and the downstream splitter open angle. The focus on these parameters are to develop the optimum condition of diffuser parameters for the aspect of power and thrust force coefficients. For that purpose, two diffuser cases have been recommended as an effective design in increasing wind speed in the literature. In addition to the two diffuser cases, a simulated model of wind turbine designed using blade element momentum (BEM) technique and has been validated with a Wind Turbine (AMPAIR-300). Each case has been simulated and analyzed using design software Solid-works and Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Software Fluent-ANSYS-15. As per the study, for diffuser case-1, the diffuser splitter degrades the diffuser effect and not recommended as a tool of power augmentation, also adding inlet shroud directs the wind flow into the inlet of diffuser and the diffuser flange effect on the power enhancement was significant and also its induced axial load was significant, and it is recommended to use the splitter at the area downstream of the diffuser surface and to modify the diffuser shroud shape to decreases the axial thrust effect with enhancing the power coefficient. </p>