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Experimental Investigation of End Plate Effects on the Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Airfoil Blade

Abstract

An experimental investigation of the variation of lift coefficient at low wind speeds comparative to the operation of a vertical axis wind turbine operation was undertaken. Data was recorded at angle of attack for±0, 5, -5, 10, -10, 15, -15 degrees and the wind speed was varied for Reynolds number ranging from 3.32 x105 to 9.64 x 105. Pressure taps on the airfoil skin collected the stagnation pressures which were converted to lift coefficient values. Experiments were conducted with and without end plate attachment to the MI-VAWT1 airfoil.Results indicated that the addition of the endplates increased the lift coefficient at all angle of attack over the range of Reynolds number tested. Similar trends were observed with and without endplate.The flow regime boundary layer separation point advanced toward the leading-edge with an increase in the angle of attack up to ±10o.As the angle of attack increased above ±10o the stall angle was approached. This resulted in the separation bubble bursting, which created a suction peak and the lift coefficient decreased.

Rikhi Ramkissoon, Krishpersad Manohar

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