Model tests of wind turbine with a vertical axis of rotation type Lenz 2

Faculty of Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering, Kielce University of Technology, Al. 1000-PP 7 ; 25 – 314 Kielce ; PL

^* Corresponding author: j.zwierzchowski@tu.kielce.pl

Published online: 12 May 2017

Abstract

A building design of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) was presented in the article. The construction and operating principle of a wind turbine were described therein. Two VAWT turbine models were compared, i.a. Darrieus and Lenz2, taking their strengths and weaknesses into consideration. 3D solid models of turbine components were presented with the use of SolidWorks software. Using CFD methods, the air flow on two aerodynamic fins, symmetrical and asymmetrical, at different angles of attack were tested. On the basis of flow simulation conducted in FlowSimulation, an asymmetrical fin was chosen as the one showing greater load bearing capacities. Due to the uncertainty of trouble-free operation of Darrieus turbine on construction elements creating the basis thereof, a 3D model of Lenz2 turbine was constructed, which is more reliable and makes turbine self-start possible. On the basis of the research, components were designed and technical docu mentation was compiled.