A computational fluid dynamics analysis on enhancing wind turbine efficiency through synthetic jet actuation

Abstract

Synthetic jets (SJs) offer a promising technique for enhancing aerodynamic efficiency in vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) by controlling boundary layer separation on airfoils. This study uses computational fluid dynamics simulations to investigate the impact of SJs on a VAWT. The results show that SJs effectively delay stall onset, increasing lift coefficient at high angles of attack, leading to an estimated 17% improvement in output power when applied to full VAWT simulations using the actuator line model at Tip Speed Ratio equal to 3. Additionally, the study suggests SJs may positively affect wake behavior by reducing turbulence and modifying wake velocity profiles, which could further influence power generation in wind farms. This research underscores the importance of model selection in accurately predicting the aerodynamic benefits of SJs, providing a foundational understanding for future exploration in VAWT applications.