• International Journal of Fluid Machinery and Systems
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.16-27
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• 2014

Double-blade vertical axis wind turbines (DB-VAWTs) can improve the self-starting performance of lift-driven VAWTs. We here propose the quadruple-multiple streamtube model (QMS), based on the blade element momentum (BEM) theory, for simulating DB-VAWT performance. Model validity is investigated by comparison to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) prediction for two kinds of two-dimensional DB-VAWT rotors for two rotor scales with three inner-outer radius ratios: 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75. The BEM-QMS model does not consider the effects of an inner rotor on the flow speed in the upwind half of the rotor, so we introduce a correction factor for this flow speed. The maximum power coefficient predicted by the modified BEM-QMS model for a DB-VAWT is thus closer to the CFD prediction.

• Solar Energy
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.47-56
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• 1990

The aerodynamic performances of Darrieus wind turbine were studied through the wind tunnel model tests and its analytical aerodynamic streamtube model. Hence, analytical streamtube model which is based on momentum and blade element theory is considered and the formulated model was generalized in non-dimensional type to predict the aerodynamic characteristics of Darrieus wind turbine. The analytical model was justified through the wind tunnel model tests for several experimental conditions but in the limited rages. These satisfactory comparative studies between the wind tunnel tests and the analytical predictions can be utilized for the basic reliable design of Darrieus wind turbine.