Design and performance characterization of hybrid vertical axis wind turbine with Savonius and Gorlov blades in low wind regimes: Integrating CFD simulations and experimental approach

The vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) has advantage over horizontal axis wind turbine as it does not depend on wind direction for power generation as well as the installation cost of vertical axis wind turbine is also low. These features of VAWT makes it suitable for urban areas. This study aims to enhance VAWT efficiency by introducing a novel hybrid (combination of Savonius and Gorlov) model alongside traditional Savonius and Gorlov VAWTs. SolidWorks software was used to create solid models, which were then 3D printed for testing. Wind tunnel experiments and CFD simulations were carried out using Ansys Fluent software with transient flow phenomenon using sliding mesh technique. Results revealed that at 2 m/s wind velocity, the Hybrid model rotated at 44 RPM, while the traditional Savonius and Gorlov models remained stationary. The hybrid model also exhibited the highest experimental C p of 0.186 and numerical C p of 0.206 at 0.393 TSR. Beyond 8 m/s wind velocity the Savonius model outperforms the Gorlov and Hybrid models, reaching a maximum experimental C p of 0.070 and numerical C p of 0.095 at 0.157 TSR.