Evaluation of a Savonius vertical axis wind turbine using computational fluid dynamics

Ruiz Juarez J.L.; Ortiz-Vidal L.E. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.1796

Resumen

This study evaluates the aerodynamic performance of a Savonius-type vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation for application in low-wind-speed urban environments, such as the city of Lima. The research is divided into three phases: first, a three-dimensional model of the turbine is developed in Autodesk Inventor Professional® software with a rotor diameter of 0.37 m and a height of 0.37 m; second, a numerical model is established based on the literature; and third, the impact of a straight-blade configuration is comparatively analyzed against a helical-blade configuration. The finite volume method is used for the numerical model, and two domains are discretized. On one hand, the cylindrical region that rotates along with the turbine geometry; on the other hand, the stationary rectangular prismatic region. The meshes of these regions are constructed using tetrahedral and prismatic elements, respectively. The k-ε turbulence model and the sliding mesh technique combined with 6 degrees-of-freedom are used to capture the transient flow behavior. Air velocities from 2 m/s to 5 m/s are simulated. The results allow for quantifying the improvement in the power coefficient (Cp) and torque coefficient (Cts) of the modified geometry. This work contributes a technical basis for the design of microgeneration technologies adapted to local climatic conditions of high turbulence and low kinetic energy.

Instituciones: Universidad Tecnológica del Perú