CFD Studies on the Flanged Diffuser Augmented Wind Turbine with Optimized Curvature Wall

Abstract

The Diffuser Augmented Wind Turbine (DAWT) offers potentials to cope with the wind availability situation like in Indonesia, i.e. with yearly average of 3–5 m/s. In this paper, computational CFD studies to get insight into the role of adding a flange (at the trailing edge of previously proposed diffuser with interior wall model [1]) to the wind velocity intensification inside the diffuser. Two models of flange are investigated, i.e. the flat-flange and airfoil-shaped flange. The role of angle-of-installment that provides the maximum velocity inside the diffuser is also reported. Results show that the additional flange to the trailing-edge of the diffuser will more step up the air velocity inside the diffuser. The installment of flat-flange will additionally increase the air velocity up to 29% higher. Meanwhile by optimizing the position of flange’s angle, a more step up in velocity up to 3% can still be harvested (i.e. max at ϕ = 60°). An even higher additional velocity (in compare to the installment of flat-flange) can be harvested by installment of flange with airfoil-shape, i.e. up to 31% (max at ϕ = 72°).