Report Final For Print

TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING
THAPATHALI CAMPUS
Design, CFD Analysis and Modelling of Archimedean Spiral-Type Wind Turbine

by
Ashish Bhattarai
Hari Prasad Bashyal
Sudip Sapkota
Upama Nepal
A PROJECT
SUBMITTED TO DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE AND MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING

THAPATHALI, NEPAL
AUGUST, 2016
1
TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING
THAPATHALI CAMPUS
DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMIBLE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
The undersigned certify that they have read, and recommended to the Institute of
Engineering for acceptance, a project report entitled "Design, CFD Analysis and
Modelling of Archimedean Spiral-Type Wind Turbine" submitted by Ashish Bhattarai,
Hari Prasad Bashyal, Sudip Sapkota and Upama Nepal in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering.
_________________________________________________
Supervisor, Er. Ramendra Kumar
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Department of Automobile and Mechanical Engineering
IOE, Thapathali Campus
__________________________________________________
External Examiner, Er. Sudip Bhattrai
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
IOE, Pulchowk Campus
__________________________________________________
Committee Chairperson, Er. Laxman Palikhel
Head of Department
Department of Automobile and Mechanical Engineering
IOE, Thapathali Campus
____________________________
Date
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COPYRIGHT
The author has agreed that the library, Department of Mechanical and Automobile
Engineering, Thapathali Campus, Institute of Engineering may make this report freely
available for inspection. Moreover, the author has agreed that permission for extensive
copying of this project report for scholarly purpose may be granted by the professor(s) who
supervised the project work recorded herein or, in their absence, by the Head of the
Department wherein the project report was done. It is understood that the recognition will be
given to the author of this report and to the Department of Mechanical and Automobile
Engineering, Thapathali Campus, Institute of Engineering in any use of the material of this
project report. Copying or publication or the other use of this report for financial gain without
approval of the Department of Mechanical and Automobile Engineering, Thapathali Campus,
Institute of Engineering and author’s written permission is prohibited.
Request for permission to copy or to make any other use of the material in this report in whole
or in part should be addressed to:
Head
Department of Mechanical and Automobile Engineering
Thapathali Campus, Institute of Engineering
Thapathali, Kathmandu
Nepal.
3
ABSTRACT
This report represents the preliminary design of Archimedean spiral-type wind turbine, one of
the emerging HAWT, with the aid of calculations and the observations of various geometric
parameters by CFD analysis along with its fabrication and testing.
Through numerous simulations conducted for turbine diameter of 150 mm at 3.5 m/s wind
velocity by varying the turbine pitch and opening angle, the geometry of final model was
selected as 112.5 mm pitch (1.5 times radius) and 60° of opening angle for maximum power
coefficient. A range of 3.5 m/s to 12 m/s of the inlet wind velocity was considered and
scrutinized through CFD to estimate the power output of the designated model. At 7 m/s, 8
m/s and 9 m/s, maximum power output was 0.92 W, 1.38 W and 1.98 W respectively. The
maximum power coefficient was 0.25 acquired at tip-speed ratio of 1.5.
Then, the preeminent model was fabricated using a 3D printer and tested. The tests was carried
out in a wind tunnel of size 30 cm × 40 cm available in Kathmandu University at 7 m/s, 8 m/s
and 9 m/s and the corresponding power achieved was 0.45 W, 0.73 W and 0.95 W which is
around half of the value obtained from CFD. The causes of this low power were explored.
A geometry of turbine for power output of 0.25 kW was nominated for wind speed of 10 m/s
assuming power coefficient is still maximum at pitch of 1.5 times the radius, 60° opening
angle and tip speed ratio of 1.5. Turbine diameter was calculated as 1500 mm.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to show our sincere gratitude to Department of Automobile and Mechanical
Engineering for providing us the opportunity to conduct this thesis which we have anticipated
will show us doors for further research and developments.
We are thankful especially to Er. Laxman Palikhel, Head and Er. Kismat Maharjan and Er.
Khem Gyanwali, Deputy Head, for providing the prospect of conducting our final year project.
We also would like to thank our colleagues for boosting us in conduction of this project.
We owe our gratitude to our respected supervisor, Assistant Professor Mr. Ramendra Kumar
for his untiring effort towards mentoring, guiding and supporting our project.
We also express our deepest appreciation to Assistant Professor Mr. Sudip Bhattrai for
providing the insights that led us to immense benefits.
We are indebted to Turbine Testing Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kathmandu

University and its staff for allowing us to test our wind turbine in their wind tunnel and
providing us with necessary equipment.
Lastly, we would like to thank all friends, staffs and teachers who have directly or indirectly
helped for the completion of our project.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROVAL .............................................................................................................................2
COPYRIGHT ............................................................................................................................3
ABSTRACT ..............................................................................................................................4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................................5
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..........................................................................................................6
LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................................9
LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................11
LIST OF SYMBOLS ..............................................................................................................12
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................... 14
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................15
1.1. Background ...............................................................................................................15
1.2. Archimedes Spiral type Wind Turbine .....................................................................15
1.3. Objective ...................................................................................................................15
1.3.1. General Objective .....................................................................................................15
1.3.2. Specific Objectives ...................................................................................................15
1.4. Methodology .............................................................................................................16
1.4.1. Problem Statement ....................................................................................................16
1.4.2. Literature Review......................................................................................................16
1.4.3. Design .......................................................................................................................16
1.4.4. Fabrication ................................................................................................................17
1.4.5. Testing and Results ...................................................................................................17
1.5. Scope of Work ..........................................................................................................17
1.6. Limitations ................................................................................................................18
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ....................................................................19
2.1. Historical Background ..............................................................................................19
2.2. Types of wind turbines..............................................................................................20

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2.3. Features and components of HAWTS ......................................................................21
2.4. Archimedean Spiral-Type Wind Turbine .................................................................21
2.4.1. The Archimedean Spiral ...........................................................................................21
2.4.2. Archimedes Rotor .....................................................................................................22
2.5. Turbine Aerodynamics..............................................................................................23
2.5.1. Tip Speed Ratio.........................................................................................................23
2.5.2. Power and Torque .....................................................................................................24
2.5.3. Betz limit...................................................................................................................24
2.6. Finite Element Method (FEM)..................................................................................25
2.7. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) .....................................................................25
2.7.1. Principle theories relevant to CFD modelling ..........................................................26
2.7.2. Turbulent models ......................................................................................................26
2.7.3. Solution Methods ......................................................................................................27
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ...................................................28
3.1. Concept and Incubation .............................................................................................28
3.2. Software description ..................................................................................................28
3.3. Design Parameters estimation ....................................................................................28
3.3.1. Wind Velocity ............................................................................................................29
3.3.2. Angular Velocity .......................................................................................................29
3.3.3. Pitch of the blade ......................................................................................................29
3.3.4. Opening angle ...........................................................................................................29
3.4. Aerodynamic Analysis of the Turbine ......................................................................30
3.4.1. Modelling of Geometry.............................................................................................30
3.4.2. Grid Generation (Mesh Geometry) ...........................................................................30
3.5. Fluent Simulation ......................................................................................................31
3.6. Fluent setup parameters ............................................................................................31
3.7. Boundary conditions .................................................................................................32

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3.8. Determination of Best Model......................................................................................33
3.9. Aerodynamic characteristics of Best Geometry Model: .............................................54
CHAPTER FOUR: FABRICATION, TESTING AND ANALYSIS ............................... 62
4.1. Torque measurement using Dry friction Dynamometer .............................................63
4.2. Experimental Data ......................................................................................................64
4.3. Data Analysis ..............................................................................................................65
4.4. Radius calculation for 0.25 kW Turbine .....................................................................66
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ..............................68
5.1. Conclusions .................................................................................................................68
5.2. Recommendations .......................................................................................................68
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................69
APPENDIX A TURBINE PARAMETERS AND DRAWING .............................................71
APPENDIX B SHAFT SELECTION .....................................................................................76
APPENDIX C BEARING SPECIFICATION ........................................................................78
APPENDIX D BAND TYPE BRAKING SYSTEM..............................................................79
APPENDIX E PHOTO GALLERY .......................................................................................80
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1: Phases of design process ................................................................................17
Figure 2.1: Archimedean Spiral in a graph .......................................................................22
Figure 2.2: The used flat plane and extended spatial figure for Archimedean Spiral blade
.................................................................................................................................................22
Figure 2.3: Geometry of Archimedes Wind Turbine Blade .............................................23
Figure 3.1: Model of turbine rotor with pitch at 112.5 mm ..............................................30
Figure 3.2: Turbine domain setup in ANSYS MESHING ...............................................32
Figure 3.3: Graph representing Cp Vs λ at pitch = 0.25R .................................................34
Figure 3.4: Average velocity fieldand static pressure distribution at pitch = 0.25R at
central plane of turbine ...........................................................................................................34
Figure 3.5: Graph representing Cp Vs λ at pitch = 0.5R ...................................................35
Figure 3.6: Static pressure distribution and average velocity field at pitch = 0.5R at
Figure 3.8: Average velocity field and static pressure distribution at pitch = 0.75R at
Figure 3.9: Graph representing Cp Vs λ at pitch = R ........................................................38
Figure 3.10: Average velocity field and static pressure distribution at pitch = R at central
plane of turbine .......................................................................................................................39
Figure 3.13: Graph representing Cp Vs λ at pitch = 1.5R ...................................................41
Figure 3.17: Graph representing Cp Vs λ at pitch = 2R ......................................................44
Figure 3.18: Average velocity field and static pressure distribution at pitch = 2R at central
plane of turbine .......................................................................................................................45
Figure 3.19: Graph representing Cp Vs λ at opening angle at 30° ......................................46
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Figure 3.24: Graph between pitch and power coefficient ...................................................52
Figure 3.25: Graph representing effect of viscocity at different pitch ................................ 53
Figure 3.26: Graph between power coefficient and opening angle ....................................54
Figure 3.27: Graph representing power coefficient vs tip speed ratio at different wind
speed…………………………………………………………………………………………57
Figure 3.28: Averaged velocity fields obtained by the steady simulation on a central plane
.................................................................................................................................................57
Figure 3.29: Static pressure distribution obtained by the steady simulation on central plane
.................................................................................................................................................58
Figure 3.30: Static pressure distribution obtained by the steady simulation on Front and
Rear side of Turbine respectively ...........................................................................................59
Figure 3.31: Drag coefficient on turbine at different tip speed ratio ..................................61
Figure 4.1: Experimental Setup………………………………………………………….63
Figure 4.2: Band Type Braking System ............................................................................63
Figure 4.3: Torque vs. Rpm obtained from experiment....................................................65
Figure 4.4: Comparison between simulation and experimental result ..............................66
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1: Basic parameters .............................................................................................31

Table 3.2: Table representing different boundary conditions ..........................................32
Table 3.3: Simulation data for different tip speed ratios at pitch = 0.25R.......................33
Table 3.4: Simulation data for different tip speed ratios at pitch = 0.5R .........................35
Table 3.5: Simulation data for different tip speed ratios at pitch = 0.75R……………...36
Table 3.6: Simulation data for different tip speed ratios at pitch = R ..............................37
Table 3.8: Simulation data for different tip speed ratios at pitch = 1.5R .........................40
Table 3.10: Simulation data for different tip speed ratios at pitch = 2R ............................43
Table 3.11: Simulation data for different tip speed ratios at angle = 30° ..........................45
Table 3.16: Pitch Vs Cp......................................................................................................51
Table 3.17: Effect of viscosity on torque for different pitch .............................................52
Table 3.18: Opening angle Vs Cp ......................................................................................53
Table 3.19: Simulation data at wind speed 3.5 m/s ...........................................................54
Table 3.20: Simulation data at wind speed 6 m/s ..............................................................55
Table 3.21: Simulation data at wind speed 8 m/s ..............................................................55
Table 3.22: Simulation data at wind speed 10 m/s ............................................................56
Table 3.23: Simulation data at wind speed 12 m/s ............................................................56
Table 3.24: Drag of turbine at 6 m/s ..................................................................................60
Table 3.25: Drag of turbine at 8 m/s ..................................................................................60
Table 4.1: Dynamometer test data ...................................................................................64
Table 4.2: Dynamometer test calculation ........................................................................65
Table 4.3: Data obtained from simulation at different wind speed ..................................67
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LIST OF SYMBOLS
U Free stream velocity

A Swept area
Cp Power coefficient
Cd Drag Coefficient
P Power
d Shaft diameter
D Rotor diameter
R Rotor radius
Re Reynolds number
λ Tip speed ratio
L Blade length
T Torque
 Angular velocity
n Factor of Safety
Sut Ultimate tensile stress
Sy Yield stress
C10 Dynamic load rating
C0 Static load rating
ρ Density of air
Cf Skin friction coefficient
τ Shear Stress
Ufric Frictional velocity
Δs First cell height
Y+ Non-dimensional wall distance;
t Blade thickness
θ Opening angle
u Velocity in X-direction
v Velocity in Y-direction
w Velocity in Z-direction
p Pressure
m/s Meter per second
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N-m Newton meter
Pa Pascal
MPa Mega Pascal
kN Kilo Newton
rad/s Radian per second
W Watt
kW Kilo watt
MW Mega watt
TWh Tera watt hour
rpm Revolutions per minute
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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AEPC Alternative Energy Promotion Centre

ASWT Archimedean Spiral-Type Wind Turbine
CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics
DES Detached Eddy Simulation
DHM Department of Hydrology and Management
FDM Finite Difference Method
FEM Finite Element Method
FVM Finite Volume Method
GHG Green House Gases
HAWT Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine
LES Large Eddy Simulation
RANS Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equation
SST Shear Stress Transport
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers
VAWT Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
VDC Village Development Committee
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
To secure the energy supply issues and address the climate change, reductions of Greenhouse
Gas (GHG) emissions, biodiversity protection and development of renewable technologies,
energy conservation, and efficiency improvements are becoming increasingly important.
Among the renewable resources, wind energy is a fairly established technology with huge
possibility for commercialization and bulk production. The major application of wind power
is electricity generation from large grid-connected wind farms. With the expansion of the
power grid and the reduction of electricity scarce areas, small-scale wind turbines are now
being applied in several countries and in many fields, such as city road lighting, mobile
communication base stations, offshore aquaculture, and sea water desalination.
Small scale wind turbines yet have not been addressed and taken seriously in context of Nepal.
Though with many potentials and with growing energy problems, this small but significant
technology can provide much assistance in the households of Nepalese community.
1.2 Archimedes Spiral type Wind Turbine

Archimedean Spiral-Type Wind Turbine is small scale horizontal axis wind turbine designed
on Archimedean spiral principles. It harvests energy from the wind by redirecting its flow 90
degrees relative to the original direction. Unlike traditional HWATs, which use lift force to
take power from wind energy, the ASWT uses both the lift and drag force. It can utilize kinetic
energy from wind energy. In particular, the advantage lies in the ASWT operating at low wind
speeds.
1.3 Objective
1.3.1 General Objective
To design, conduct CFD analysis and develop a model of Archimedes spiral-type wind turbine.
1.3.2 Specific Objectives
1. To select the best model of Archimedes wind turbine with the help of CFD analysis.
2. To fabricate a model to fit in the wind tunnel available.
3. To perform wind tunnel test for the fabricated model.
4. To compare the result obtained from wind tunnel test with the numerically obtained result.
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1.4 Methodology
The methodology adopted during the project is described below:
1.4.1 Problem Statement

1. Low efficiency of available small scale wind turbine (less than 20 kW).
2. High level noise for available Horizontal axis wind turbines which is why turbines
cannot be installed in human settlement areas.
3. High tip speed ratio is required for obtaining maximum power coefficient.
The basic problem to be addressed by this project is to devise an economical small scale wind
turbine in a region where wind velocity lies between 3m/s and 12m/s. It is obvious that an
appropriate small scale wind turbine could fulfill the energy requirement where national grid
is not reached and deficit energy due to load shedding where national grid is available.
1.4.2 Literature Review

The literature review was carried out throughout the schedule until the project’s completion.
It was done through web-based research, expert consultations and manual study. The literature
related to simulation and optimization was studied on the internet. Research on selection for
design parameters for the turbine was carried out thoroughly. The turbines that were studied
previously and installed were looked into in order create a basis for the turbine used in the
project.
1.4.3 Design
The selection of the most efficient design for the given constraints was done by following
steps given below:
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Figure 1.1 Phases of design process
1.4.4 Fabrication
The fabrication was done using 3D- printer for the construction of the turbine blade and shaft
was integrated separately to produce as a whole. Then, the frame was attached separately using
suitable materials unified with the other part using appropriate processes, resources and tools.
1.4.5 Testing and Results

The turbine was tested for the comparison of the theoretical values obtained during CFD
analysis with the experimental values. The testing was exercised in the wind tunnel available
in the laboratory of Kathmandu University (KU).
1.5 Scope of Work

The Archimedes wind turbine targets the households of areas with good wind speed as the
wind energy available could be harvested. The turbine easily fits on the roof just as the solar
panels. So, the turbine can be used in different areas in order to fulfill the daily energy needs.
The turbine can also be used for following applications such as street lighting, as hybrid source
with solar panels for constant output as well as used as backup sources for different purposes.
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1.6 Limitations
1. Appropriate wind tunnel is not available for testing procedure.
2. Mechanical loss is not accounted in the CFD analysis of the wind turbine.
3. Sensitive torque measurement device is not available for accurate torque value.
4. Only turbine shaft output power is calculated during the testing process.
5. Complete arrangement is not designed in the turbine to get the electrical output.
6. Safety arrangements are not designed for high wind velocity during the wind tunnel
testing.
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Historical Background

Wind energy has been used for thousands of years for milling grain, pumping water and other
mechanical power applications. Wind energy was the fastest growing energy technology in
the 1990s, in terms of percentage of yearly growth of installed capacity per technology source.
By the end of 1999, around 69% of the worldwide wind energy capacity was installed in
Europe, a further 19% in North America and 10% in Asia and the Pacific. Greenpeace states
that about 10% of electricity can be supplied by the wind by the year 2020.
Considering Nepal, it is a mountainous country with a high potential for wind energy. On
average, Nepal gets 18 hours of wind every day in particular areas and at least two days a
week, it is really windy all over the country. The analysis done by the Solar and Wind Energy
Resource Assessment concludes that about 6, 074 square kilometers of land all over the
country has the potential for wind power with density greater than 300 watt per square meter.
The analysis established that more than 3,000 MW of power with an installed capacity of
5MW per sq. km was possible and Kathmandu Valley alone was capable of producing 70MW,
whereas two districts, Mustang and Manang, have a potential of more than 2500 MW. Wind
generation capacity is particularly high in the river corridors and mountain valleys.
Wind power development in Nepal dates back to 1970s with a pilot project in Agricultural
farm of Rampur VDC of Chitwan district and installation of wind turbine for pumping water
in Ramechhap district. The first wind turbine of 20 kW capacity was installed in Kagbeni of
Mustang District in 1989, however blade and tower of the wind generator were broken within
a short period of installation and it is not in operation anymore. Wind turbines were installed
in Chisapani of Shivapuri National Park and the Club Himalaya in Nagarkot, both of which
are not functional anymore. In 2011, Alternative Energy Promotion Centre with the financial
support from Asian Development Bank installed two 5 kW wind turbines in Dhaubadi village
of Nawalparasi District with solar hybrid systems for rural electrification. There were also
other attempts made by Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology, Nepal Army,
Practical Action, AEPC, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) among others.
These organizations have collected vital information regarding prospects of wind energy in
Nepal while installing wind turbines in their selected sites.
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A modern large wind turbine is not practical in Nepal as the blades cannot be disassembled
and need to be delicately handled, which requires good road access for transportation. So for
the time being, smaller wind turbines are ideal for the country. The hill effect on wind turbines
placed on hills provides additional benefits to the wind turbine projects in Nepal.
Surrounding mountainous range around the Kathmandu Valley is about 105 km and if small
wind turbines as pilot project could be installed at an interval of 100 meters, it could generate
about 5MW. If they are installed as a cluster, certainly more power could be obtained.
The development of small scale wind power system could be done including turbine,
generator, controller and tower using local resources. Lack of proper testing to obtain
performance of the system such as power curve with respect to tip speed ratio and
unavailability of wind data are the major factors impeding the development of the technology.
With a good design, the system can be manufactured locally to reduce the cost of the
technology. The indigenous manufacturing techniques can be used with some clever design of
wind turbine rotor and low speed permanent magnet generator.
2.2 Types of wind turbines

There are two great classes of wind turbines: those whose rotors spin about a horizontal axis
and those whose rotors spin about a vertical axis.
Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWT) can be divided into two major groups: those that use
aerodynamic drag to extract power from the wind and those that use lift. The vertical axis of
rotation also permits mounting the generator and drive train at ground level. The disadvantages
of this type of rotors is that it is quite difficult to control power output by pitching the rotor
blades, they are not self – starting and they have low tip-speed ratio.
Horizontal – axis wind turbines (HAWT) are convectional wind turbines and unlikely the
VAWT are not omnidirectional. In a HAWT the generator converts directly the wind which is
extracted from the rotor. The rotor speed as well as the power output can be controlled by
pitching the rotor blades along their longitudinal axis. A mechanical or an electronic blade
pitch control mechanism can be used in order to achieve this. An important advantage for
HAWT is that blade pitching acts as a form of protection against extreme wind conditions and
over speed. Also the rotor blades can be shaped to achieve maximum turbine efficiency, by
exploiting the aerodynamic lift to the maximum.
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2.3 Features and components of HAWTS
The main parts of a HAWT are the blades, the hub, the transmission system, the gearbox, the
generator and the yaw and pitch control systems. The blades are the key to the operation of
the wind turbine. Three – bladed designs are the most common for modern wind turbines. The
blades of a HAWT are fastened to the central hub. As the rotor turns, its blades generate an
imaginary surface whose projection on a vertical plane is called the swept area.
2.4 Archimedean Spiral-Type Wind Turbine

The Archimedes spiral wind turbine, which is a new HAWT concept, was designed using the
Archimedes spiral principles. Unlike traditional HAWTs, which use the lift force to take power
from wind energy, the Archimedes spiral wind turbine uses both the lift and drag force. The
Archimedes spiral wind turbine can utilize the kinetic energy from wind energy. This special
structure determines the special aerodynamic characteristics of small scale wind turbines. In
particular, the advantages of the Archimedes spiral structure will be more obvious in many
circumstances, such as around buildings, because the wind turbine operates at low wind
speeds. The wind direction in an urban environment changes constantly but the Archimedes
wind turbine follows the wind direction automatically because the yaw is passively controlled
due to the drag force. Other advantages include low noise because of the relatively low
rotational speed. The disadvantage of the Archimedes wind turbine is the high thrust force
compared to a propeller-type conventional HAWT [21].
2.4.1 The Archimedean Spiral

Archimedean spiral is a spiral named after the 3rd century BC Greek Mathematician
Archimedes. It is the locus of points corresponding to the locations over time of a point moving
away from a fixed point with a constant speed along a line which rotates with constant angular
velocity.
In polar coordinates (r, θ) it can be described by the equation,
r = a + b θ1/c
Changing the parameter a will turn the spiral, while b controls the distance between successive
turnings. The normal Archimedean spiral occurs when c = 1.
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Figure 2.1 Archimedean Spiral in a graph
2.4.2 Archimedes Rotor

The Archimedes rotor has the characteristics of both resistance and lift type turbine. A
resistance characteristics are that the turbine blades are flat sheets, can work under a large
margin of error, produce very low noise and is lightweight. Likewise, the turbine rotor can
work with tip speed ratio greater than 1, and its efficiency is extremely high which are the
characteristics of the lift type rotor.
The rotor is designed on the basis of Archimedean Spiral. The spiral shape given to the blade
enables the air to flow thoroughly within the blade and use both drag and lift force. The rotor
consists of three blades connected with each other with 120 deg. And each blade has a
symmetric arrangement around the shaft and its shape is similar to a triangular pyramid. The
spiral wind blade with an Archimedes shape shows relatively high rotor efficiency compared
to the aerodynamic performance of the other blades like the Savonius type rotor in the lower
tip speed ratio range.
Figure 2.2: The used flat plane and extended spatial figure for Archimedean Spiral blade
(Source: The aerodynamic method of the Archimedes Windturbine, drs. M. Mieremet, Msf)
22
Archimedes spiral wind turbine, is one of the HAWT, however, there is marked contrast
between new wind turbine design and traditional HAWT models. The spiral allowed better
measurement of a circle’s circumference and thus its area. However, this spiral was soon
proved inadequate when Archimedes went on to determine a more accurate value of π that
created an easier way of measuring the area of a circle.
In old HAWT scheme, lift force is the one of the main factor to take power from wind energy,
but the Archimedes spiral small wind turbine is mainly depended on the drag force.
Figure 2.3 Geometry of Archimedes Wind Turbine Blade

(Source: The aerodynamic method of the Archimedes Windturbine, drs. M. Mieremet, Msf)
In March 2007, Tu Delft carried out a test which showed the efficiency of approximately 10%.
In 2009 an improved model was tested at the Peutz wind research center which broke at 21
m/s so the number of revolutions along the rotor axis was reduced to one from pi number of
revolution. This increased efficiency to about 15 %. In 2012 a very detailed study at Pusan
Korea University was begun. CFD analysis confirmed the calculations made earlier and the
theoretical efficiency was determined at 25%. Over the two subsequent years rotor efficiency
rose to an astonishing 52 % [21].
2.5 Turbine Aerodynamics

2.5.1 Tip Speed Ratio
The tip speed ratio is the ratio of the blade tip speed over wind speed. It is a significant
parameter for wind turbine design. It is related to the efficiency of the turbine. Its definition is
shown in the equation below:
23
Definition of tip speed ratio,
𝜔∗𝑅
= 𝑉0
𝛚 is the angular velocity of the wind turbine rotor, R is radius of the rotor and 𝑉0is the wind
speed. A higher tip speed ratio results in higher noise levels and require stronger blades due
to large centrifugal force.
The relationship between rotational speed and tip speed ratio is shown in below equation:
2𝛱𝑁𝑅
= 60𝑉0
Where N is the rotational speed of the rotor, R is the rotor radius and V0 is the wind speed.
Thus, an inverse relationship between the rotational speed and the blade span can give the
required speed. Due to the same tip speed ratio, a blade with a big span has a low rotational
speed [5].
2.5.2. Power and Torque

In reality, a wind turbine cannot derive all the wind power from wind stream when it passes
through the rotor of the wind turbine, which means that some part of the kinetic energy of the
wind is transferred to the rotor and the rest of the energy leaves the rotor. Therefore, the
amount of wind energy which is converted to the mechanical power by the rotor is defined as
the efficiency that is usually termed as the power coefficient, Cp.
Aerodynamic Efficiency,
𝑇∗𝜔
Cp = 1
∗𝜌∗𝐴∗𝑉 3
2
Where,
T = Torque
𝛚 = Angular velocity
A = Swept area of the blade
V= Wind velocity
2.5.3 Betz limit

The efficiency is defined as the ratio between power coefficient Cp and the Betz limit, Betz =
16/27 ≈ 0.593. This value was concluded by Albert Betz who was a German physicist in 1919,
0.593 is the maximum power coefficient of a wind turbine which converts the kinetic energy
to mechanical energy, So efficiency is given by:
24
16
Betz limit = 27 × (Kinetic energy of wind)
Efficiency = Cp (Betz Limit)

Where Cp = power coefficient
2.6 Finite Element Method (FEM)

The FEM is one of the most significant numerical methods for solving the partial differential
equations which are faced in engineering problems. This process uses a variational problem
which involves an integral of the differential equation over the model domain. This domain is
divided into a finite number of sub domains called elements and the elements are connected
to each other at the points called nodes. The sub domains can be solved by defining
approximate interpolation or shape functions for each element. These functions should be a
complete set of polynomials, which maybe linear, quadratic or higher order. When the
polynomial functions of all the elements are known then they are placed together in order to
find a solution for the entire region [5].
The major steps in FEM are:
1. Find the strong form of the governing differential equation of the system.
2. Convert the strong form of the equation to the weak form.
3. Choose suitable interpolation (shape) functions.
4. Choose the weight functions and set up the algebraic equations for each element.
5. Obtain the global matrix system of the equations through the assembly of all elements.
6. Impose boundary conditions.
7. Solve the system of algebraic equations.
8. Post process the results.
2.7 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

CFD is a numerical method which can be used to predict fluid flow, heat transfer and chemical
reactions in complex systems. CFD has been applied most widely in the industrial and non-
industrial application areas due to less times and cost requirement in designing the models. In
order to analyze a fluid problem with CFD, we need to obtain the mathematical equations
which describe the behavior of the fluid flow [12].
25
2.7.1 Principle theories relevant to CFD modelling
No matter what kind of CFD software is, the main processes of simulation are the same.
Setting up governing equations is the precondition of CFD modelling; mass, momentum and
energy conservation equation are the three basis governing equations. After that, Boundary
conditions are decided as different flow conditions and a mesh is created. The purpose of
meshing model is discretized equations and boundary conditions into a single grid. A cell is
the basic element in structured and unstructured grid. The basic elements of two-dimensional
unstructured grid are triangular and quadrilateral cell. Meanwhile, the rectangular cell is
commonly used in structured grid. In three-dimensional simulation, tetrahedral and
pentahedral cells are commonly used, unstructured grid and hexahedra cell is used in
structured grids. The mesh quality is a prerequisite for obtaining the reasonably physical
solutions and it is a function of the skill of the simulation engineer. The more nodes resident
in the mesh, the greater the computational time to solve the aerodynamic problem concerned,
therefore creating an efficient mesh is indispensable. Three numerical methods can be used to
discretize equations which are Finite Difference Method (FDM), Finite Element Method
(FEM) and Finite Volume Method (FVM). FVM is widely used in CFD software such as
Fluent, CFX, PHOENICS and STAR-CD, to name just a few. Compared with FDM, the
advantages of the FVM and FEM are that they are easily formulated to allow for unstructured
meshes and have a great flexibility so that can apply to a variety of geometries [5].
2.7.2 Turbulent models

In CFD software, wind turbines are simulated under the turbulent flows. There are three
different types of simulated methods under the Indirect Numerical Simulation which are large
eddy simulation (LES), Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and detached eddy
simulation (DES).
The equation of Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) is defined as:
𝑑𝑈𝑖 𝜕𝑃 𝜕 𝜕𝑈𝑖 𝜕𝑈𝑖
= + [𝜇 ( + ) − 𝜌𝑢′𝑗 𝑢′ 𝑖 ]
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑋𝑖 𝜕𝑋𝑖 𝜕𝑥𝑗 𝜕𝑥𝑖
The left hand side of the equation describe the change in mean momentum of fluid element
and the right hand side of the equation is the assumption of mean body force and divergence
stress. 𝜌𝑢′𝑗 𝑢′ 𝑖 is an unknown term and called Reynolds stresses.
26
2.7.3 Solution Methods
 Standard k−ε model: it has a nice stability and precision for high Reynolds number
turbulent flow but it is not suitable for some simulation with rotational effect.
 RNG k−ε model: it can used for low Reynolds number flow, as considering the
rotational effect, the simulated accuracy will be enhanced in rapidly strain flow.
 Realizable k−ε model: it is more accurate for predicting the speeding rate of both planar
and round jets but it will produce non-physical turbulent viscosities when the simulated
model includes both rotating and stationary fluid zone
 Standard k-ω model: it contains the low-Reynolds-number effects, compressibility and
shear flow spreading. It has a good agreement with measurements with problems of
far wake, mixing layers and plane, round, and radial jets.
 Shear-stress transport (SST) k-ω model: because it absorbs both the property of good
accuracy in the near-wall region of standard k-ω model and nice precision in the far
field region of k−ε model, it is more accurate and reliable for a wider class flow than
the standard k-ω model.
 Reynolds stress model: Abandoning the eddy-viscosity hypothesis, the Reynolds stress
model (RSM) calculates the Reynolds stresses directly. Theatrically, it is much more
accurate than k−ε and k-ω model, but five additional transport equations in 2D flows
and seven additional transport equations in 3D flows seize huge resources in computer
and a long simulated time [5].
27
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Concept and Incubation

The research is conducted keeping in mind some specific wind sites like Bhatte Dada
(Nawalparasi), Rampur (Chitwan), Nagarkot (Kathmandu), Batase Dada (Palpa) and Kagbeni
(Mustang). All of these sites have enough wind speed to generate good amount of power from
a small scale wind turbine. The small scale turbine to be designed is considered keeping in
mind the wind speeds available in these regions.
Initially, different designs of turbine along with blades and shaft are put into analysis in
simulation software and a virtual condition is created. Then, their aerodynamic properties are
checked giving only a single wind speed in order to find the best geometry model. Then, the
characteristics of the model is again checked. The model is finally fabricated and tested which
is compared with the result obtained from CFD and then both the results are compared. And,
finally a prototype is theoretically designed which is actually feasible for harnessing power.
3.2 Software description

To obtain the desired geometry of the turbine, SOLIDWORKS 15 is used to design the
turbine’s geometry. SOLIDWORKS provide correct guidance and easiness while designing
the turbine.
Likewise, the CFD simulation process was conducted with Academic multipurpose CFD
solver, ANSYS FLUENT. The code is idealized according to the Reynolds Averaged Navier
Stokes Equation and the Finite Volume Method of the governing equations. The k-ω Shear
Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model is used to predict the separation of flow accurately.
The mesh was generated used the ANSYS MESHING.
3.3 Design Parameters estimation

In order to define the system used in the turbine simulation, various parameters are used that
give the turbine its virtual existence. There are basically two kinds of parameters used. The
first ones are the Input parameters and the second ones are the Variable parameters. Some
geometric constraints are also taken into account.
The Input parameters are:
1. Wind Velocity
28
2. Angular Velocity
The variable parameters are:
1. Pitch
2. Opening Angle
Geometric constraints:
1. Blade Diameter
3.3.1 Wind Velocity

The velocity of the input wind is known as the wind velocity. In context of Nepal, various
ranges of wind speeds are found. But, the average wind velocity of Kathmandu Valley is 3.5
m/s which is taken into account and considered as the constant wind velocity throughout
various simulations of the turbine geometries and when the best geometry is obtained
simulation is performed on range of wind speed up to 12 m/s.
3.3.2 Angular Velocity

Angular velocity is the velocity at which the turbine rotates. Exactly a single rotational velocity
cannot be taken into consideration on random basis since it’s not sure what velocity gives the
maximum efficiency of the turbine so a range of the rotational velocities are input and
analyzed.
3.3.3 Pitch of the blade

The pitch of the wind turbine blade is an essential parameter for designing the turbine. It
controls the rotational speed of the turbine and limits it as the speed of the wind changes. The
estimation of the proper pitch becomes a detrimental factor for producing maximum power
and minimizing the fatigue loads on the turbine. The pitch is varied and studied in the
simulation process.
3.3.4. Opening angle

The opening angle of the turbine determines what amount of air circulates within the blades’
faces and periphery. It also determines the tip vortex created at the end of the turbine blade.
Likewise, the pressure difference created along the blades of the turbine also gets affected with
the change in opening angle. The opening angle is varied and studied in the simulation process.
29
3.4 Aerodynamic Analysis of the Turbine
3.4.1 Modelling of Geometry
The turbine incorporates a single shaft and three blades of equal diameter. The turbine is
initially designed in SOLIDWORKS 15. The blades are kept at a diameter of 150 mm.
Likewise, a helix of variable pitch provided in the software is used to give the curvature that
the blade required and the required variable pitch is input accordingly. Total of 12 different
geometries of various dimensions were constructed.
Figure 3.1 Model of turbine rotor with pitch at 112.5 mm
3.4.2 Grid Generation (Mesh Geometry)

The geometry is imported in ANSYS MESHING 16. A single domain is created where the
turbine is incorporated. Around the turbine geometry, an O-grid is created. The O-grid
facilitated us with the advantages of dense mesh around the turbine and proper inflation. The
nodes provided differed according to the mesh density required. Wall distance for the first
edge near the wall is calculated using reference length, flow velocity and other flow parameters
like density and viscosity.
𝑢∗𝑦
𝑌+ =
𝑣
30
Where u is the friction velocity at the nearest wall, y is the distance to the nearest wall; ν is the
local Kinematic Viscosity of the fluid. Y+ is the non-dimensional wall distance for a wall
bounded flow.
The wall distance value of the model is found to be in the range from 0.2mm to 0.32 mm
according to the increase in velocity which was taken from the online source
www.cfdonlinetools.com using the Y-Plus Distance Estimation tool. The input parameter
being free-stream velocity, density of fluid, dynamic viscosity, boundary layer length and
desired Y-Plus value of 4 for SST Model, we get the approximate value of Reynolds number
and the wall distance. The input parameters for the wall distance estimation is given below:
Table 3.1: Basic Parameters
S.N. Parameters Value

1. Freestream Velocity 3.5 m/s
2. Density 1.225 kg/m3
3. Dynamic Viscosity 1.875*10-5 kg/ms
4. Boundary Layer length 0.162 m
3.5 Fluent Simulation

The developed mesh is imported to Fluent and the setup is done. During setup, the fluid
properties and the turbulence model are chosen, and the flow velocity and pressure values are
supplied using boundary conditions. The cell conditions are changed to fluid in the ANSYS
MESHING itself. The setup is then initialized and then calculation is done.
3.6 Fluent setup parameters

For the relevant comparison of different geometry, fluent setup parameters are kept same for
each trail. The models selected are as follows:
Viscous model: SST -with all parameters kept by default
Material: Simple air (Incompressible)
Viscosity: Constant
Ambient pressure and temperature: Standard atmosphere (101325 Pa and 288.15K)
31
3.7 Boundary conditions
The constant speed of the turbine is 3.5 meters per second. The operating condition is at sea
level. The fluid is thus at normal atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the gauge pressure is taken
as 0. The Reynolds number was calculated as Re = 4.937 × 104 using the following equation:
𝜌𝑉𝑙
𝑅𝑒 =
𝜇
Where,
ρ = 1.225 kg/m3,
µ = 1.875 ×10-5 kg/m-s,
l = reference length = 162 mm
Different models were used for the same boundary conditions but with varying tip-speed
ratios.
Figure 3.2: Turbine domain setup in ANSYS MESHING
Table 3.2: Table representing Different Boundary Conditions
S.N. Zone Boundary Type Operating Condition

1. Inlet, top and bottom Velocity Inlet -3.5 m/s (z-direction)
2. Interior-domain Interior 0 Pascal (Gauge
pressure)
3. Outlet Pressure Outlet 0 Pascal (Gauge
pressure)
4. Turbine Wall (ABS Plastic) -
32
Velocity inlet boundary condition is defined to provide the flow velocity of the incompressible
fluid flow. The velocity magnitude and direction helps to provide the flow at different
inclination from the global axes.
Pressure outlet boundary conditions require the specification of a static (gauge) pressure at
the outlet boundary.
Reference Values to be set are area, density, enthalpy, length, pressure, temperature, velocity,
dynamic viscosity and ratio of specific heats. For the analysis, all the parameters are set to
default once we choose to compute from Inlet.
Solver
Second order discretization upwind is used to solve the problem with a pressure based solver.
Each boundary conditions are initialized with flow velocity value. Then iterations are run.
Two pressure-based solver algorithms are available in ANSYS FLUENT, a segregated
algorithm, and a coupled algorithm. A coupled algorithm or scheme is selected for the
problem.
3.8 Determination of Best Model

Steady state simulations are conducted for the various geometries where each geometry is
analyzed through a range of tip speed ratios to determine the tip speed ratio at which power
coefficient is maximum. For different geometry the tip-speed ratio for different geometry is
different for maximum power coefficient.
Table 3.3: Simulation data for different tip speed ratios at pitch = 0.25R
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp

1 46.6666 1.039 0.04850 0.10452
1.25 58.3333 0.864 0.05042 0.10866
1.5 70 0.725 0.05078 0.10942
1.75 81.6666 0.610 0.04984 0.10741
2 93.3333 0.471 0.04400 0.09482
The table illustrates the resultant torques, theoretical power and power coefficient for a range
of tip-speed ratios from 1 to 2. It is evident that when the tip-speed ratio increases, the values
of torque decrease and reaches at 0.471 × 10-3 N-m at tip-speed ratio of 2 with corresponding
33
angular velocity of 93.33 rad/s. But, though the values of torque decrease, the values of power
and power coefficient somewhat fluctuates. The power coefficient Cp which is the considered
entity, at first increases then at another point, the values starts to decrease. The maximum
power coefficient Cp has a value of 0.109 at tip-speed ratio of 1.5. The corresponding graph
between Cp and λ is given below:
Cp vs λ
0.25
0.2
Cp
0.15
0.1
0.05
1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2
λ
Figure 3.3 Graph representing Cp Vs λ at pitch = 0.25R
Figure 3.4 Average velocity and Static pressure distribution field at pitch = 0.25R at central
plane of turbine
34
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp
1.25 58.3333 1.093 0.06378 0.1374
1.5 70 0.952 0.06665 0.1436
1.75 81.6666 0.823 0.06725 0.1449
2 93.3333 0.704 0.06575 0.1416
2.25 105 0.584 0.06132 0.1321
of tip-speed ratios from 1.25 to 2.25. It is evident that when the tip-speed ratio increases, the
values of torque decrease and reaches at 0.584 × 10-3 N-m at tip-speed ratio of 2.25 with
corresponding angular velocity of 105 rad/s. But, though the values of torque decrease, the
values of power and power coefficient somewhat fluctuates. The power coefficient Cp which
is the considered entity, at first increases then at another point, the values start to decrease.
The maximum power coefficient Cp has a value of 0.1449 at tip-speed ratio of 1.75. The
corresponding graph between Cp and λ is given below:
Cp vs λ
0.25
0.2
Cp
0.15
0.1
0.05
1.25 1.5 1.75 2 2.25
λ
35
Table 3.5 Simulation data for different tip speed ratios at pitch = 0.75R
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3N-m) P (W) Cp

1.25 58.3333 1.325 0.07733 0.1666
1.5 70 1.174 0.08221 0.1771
1.75 81.6666 1.068 0.08725 0.1880
2 93.3333 0.925 0.08640 0.1861
2.25 105 0.752 0.07898 0.1702
Figure 3.6 Average velocity and Static pressure distribution field at pitch = 0.5R at central
plane of turbine
Here, the pressure difference between the tip and the end is 11.149 Pa.
of tip-speed ratios from 1 to 2.25. It is evident that when the tip-speed ratio increases, the
36
Cp vs λ
0.25
0.2
Cp
0.15
0.1
0.05
1.25 1.5 1.75 2 2.25
λ
Figure 3.8 Average velocity field and static pressure distribution at pitch = 0.75R at central
plane of turbine
37
Table 3.6: Simulation data for different tip speed ratios at pitch = R
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3N-m) P (W) Cp
1.25 58.3333 1.577 0.09202 0.1982
1.5 70 1.407 0.09853 0.2123
1.75 81.6666 1.218 0.09950 0.2144
2 93.3333 1.031 0.09627 0.2074
2.25 105 0.818 0.08597 0.1852
The maximum power coefficient Cp has a value of 0.2144 at tip-speed ratio of 1.75.
The corresponding graph between Cp and λ is given below:
Cp Vs λ
0.25
0.2
Cp
0.15
0.1
0.05
1.25 1.5 1.75 2 2.25
λ
Figure 3.9 Graph representing Cp Vs λ at pitch = R
38
Figure 3.10 Average velocity field and static pressure distribution at pitch = R at central
plane of turbine
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp
1 46.6666 1.985 0.0926 0.1996
1.25 58.3333 1.745 0.1018 0.2194
1.5 70 1.515 0.1060 0.2285
1.75 81.6666 1.294 0.1057 0.2278
2 93.3333 1.045 0.0976 0.2103
2.25 105 0.785 0.0825 0.1777
39
Cp vs λ
0.25
0.2
Cp
0.15
0.1
0.05
1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 2.25
λ
Figure 3.11 Graph representing Cp Vs λ at pitch =1.25R
Figure 3.12 Average velocity field and static pressure distribution at pitch = 1.25R at
central plane of turbine
Table 3.8: Simulation data for different tip speed ratios at pitch =1.5R
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp
1 46.6666 2.121 0.0989 0.2132
1.25 58.3333 1.834 0.1069 0.2305
1.5 70 1.565 0.1095 0.2361
1.75 81.6666 1.275 0.1041 0.2245
2 93.3333 0.980 0.0915 0.1972
40
of tip-speed ratios from 1 to 2. It is evident that when the tip-speed ratio increases, the values
entity, at first increases then at another point, the values start to decrease. The maximum power
coefficient Cp has a value of 0.2361 at tip-speed ratio of 1.5.
Cp vs λ
0.25
0.2
Cp
0.15
0.1
0.05
1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2
λ
Figure 3.13 Graph representing Cp Vs λ at pitch =1.5R
41
Figure 3.14 Average velocity field and static pressure distribution at pitch = 1.5R at central
plane of turbine
Table 3.9: Simulation data for different tip speed ratios at pitch =1.75R
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp

0.75 35 2.591 0.09070 0.1954
1 46.6666 2.211 0.1031 0.2223
1.25 58.3333 1.875 0.1093 0.2356
1.5 70 1.541 0.1079 0.2325
1.75 81.6666 1.206 0.0985 0.2123
of tip-speed ratios from 0.75 to 1.75. It is evident that when the tip-speed ratio increases, the
corresponding angular velocity of 81.66 rad/s. But, though the values of torque decrease, the
The maximum power coefficient Cp has a value of 0.2356 at tip-speed ratio of 1.25.
42
Cp vs λ
0.25
0.2
Cp
0.15
0.1
0.05
0.75 0.95 1.15 1.35 1.55 1.75
Figure 3.16 Average velocity field and static pressure distribution at pitch = 1.75R at
central plane of turbine
Table 3.10: Simulation data for different tip speed ratios at pitch = 2R
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp
0.75 35 2.677 0.09372 0.2019
1 46.6666 2.238 0.10447 0.2251
1.25 58.3333 1.848 0.10784 0.2324
1.5 70 1.458 0.10211 0.2200
1.75 81.6666 1.080 0.08821 0.1900
2 93.3333 0.689 0.06433 0.1386
43
of tip-speed ratios 1 to 2. It is evident that when the tip-speed ratio increases, the values of
torque decrease and reaches at 0.689 × 10-3 N-m at tip-speed ratio of 2 with corresponding
coefficient Cp has a value of 0.2324 at tip-speed ratio of 1.25.
Cp vs λ
0.25
0.2
Cp
0.15
0.1
0.05
0.75 1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2
λ
Figure3.17 Graph representing Cp Vs λ at pitch = 2R
44
Figure 3.18 Average velocity field and static pressure distribution at pitch = 2R at central
plane of turbine
After analyzing the above data and graphs, we conclude a final pitch value where the
maximum power coefficient is obtained which is at pitch = 1.5R at tip speed ratio of 1.5.
Opening Angle
Now, the opening angles are varied from 30° to 90° to find out the optimum result.
Table 3.11: Simulation data for different tip speed ratios at angle = 30°
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp

0.75 35 2.250 0.07876 0.1697
1 46.6666 1.701 0.07942 0.1711
1.25 58.3333 1.173 0.06847 0.1475
1.5 70 0.652 0.04570 0.0984
of tip-speed ratios 0.75 to 1.5. It is evident that when the tip-speed ratio increases, the values
angular velocity of 70 rad/s. But, though the values of torque decrease, the values of power
45
coefficient Cp has a value of 0.1711 at tip-speed ratio of 1. The corresponding graph between
Cp and λ is given below:
Cp vs λ
0.25
0.2
Cp
0.15
0.1
0.05
0.75 1 1.25 1.5
λ
Figure 3.19 Graph representing Cp Vs λ at opening angle at 30°
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp

1 46.6666 2.154 0.1005 0.2166
1.25 58.3333 1.751 0.1021 0.2201
1.5 70 1.359 0.0951 0.2050
1.75 81.6666 0.968 0.0790 0.1703
of tip-speed ratios 1 to 1.75. It is evident that when the tip-speed ratio increases, the values of
coefficient Cp has a value of 0.2201 at tip-speed ratio of 1.25. The corresponding graph
46
Cp vs λ
0.25
Cp 0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
1 1.25 1.5 1.75
λ
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp

1 46.6666 2.121 0.0989 0.2132
1.25 58.3333 1.834 0.1069 0.2305
1.5 70 1.565 0.1095 0.2361
1.75 81.6666 1.275 0.1042 0.2245
2 93.3333 0.980 0.0915 0.1973
coefficient Cp has a value of 0.2361 at tip-speed ratio of 1.5. The corresponding graph between
Cp and λ is given below:
47
Cp vs λ
0.25
Cp 0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2
λ
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp

1.25 58.3333 1.647 0.0961 0.2070
1.5 70 1.444 0.1011 0.2178
1.75 81.6666 1.248 0.1020 0.2197
2 93.3333 1.046 0.0977 0.2105
torque decrease and reaches at 1.046 N-m at tip-speed ratio of 2 with corresponding angular
velocity of 93.33 rad/s. But, though the values of torque decrease, the values of power and
power coefficient somewhat fluctuates. The power coefficient Cp which is the considered
48
Cp vs λ
0.25
Cp 0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
1.25 1.5 1.75 2
λ
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp

1.25 58.3333 1.235 0.0720 0.1553
1.5 70 1.082 0.0757 0.1633
1.75 81.6666 0.930 0.0759 0.1636
2 93.3333 0.771 0.0720 0.1552
of tip-speed ratios 1.25 to 2. It is evident that when the tip-speed ratio increases, the values of
and power coefficient some what fluctuates. The power coefficient Cp which is the considered
49
Cp vs λ
0.25
Cp 0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
1.25 1.5 1.75 2
λ
The above figures 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 3.10, 3.12, 3.14, 3.16, 3.18 show the calculated ensemble
pressure distribution and velocity fields of the overall flow field on the central plane of the
Archimedes spiral wind turbine at single wind speed of 3.5 m/s, which are characterized by
the contours. The tip speed ratios taken at in-flow velocity of 3.5 m/s were 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5,
1.75, 2 and 2.25 respectively.
The flow field along the turbine rotor is from left to right. Because of the spiral effect, the
velocities from the leading edge increases at the inner side of each blade. A recirculation zone
with lower speeds is also observed in the wake regions because the incoming airflow is
obstructed by the hub cone and rotor. A circular accelerating zone exists behind the rotor,
which results in a low pressure near the wall of the rotating domain. A low-speed region
formed behind the hub of the rotor, indicating the wake region. The pressure distribution is in
the center plane of the wind turbine. When the blade is rotating, there is a pressure difference
between the pressure side and the suction side. Due to the spiral surface of the blades, the
pressure difference (a force) generates torque. In general, the front side of the blade has higher
pressure while the corresponding rear side has a lower pressure.
When the in-flow velocity increases, the pressure difference becomes larger. The pressure
difference is large at the blade tip but small at the root region. This means that most of energy
can be extracted near the blade tip like a three blade HAWT. The maximum pressure
differences between the root and tip were approximately 4.079 Pa. On the suction side,
however, the pressure differences are much higher. The pressure differences were more than
50
15 Pa lower at the tip than the root. Therefore, the pressure difference between the two sides
at a section increase towards the tips of each blade. For all the cases, the rear side pressure is
negative, so that thrust force can be exerted to the shaft.
The wake of a wind turbine is typically divided into a near and a far wake. The former is the
region from the turbine to approximately one rotor diameter downstream, where the turbine
geometry determines the shape of the flow field, determining the performance of the turbine.
The axial pressure gradient is important for the development of the wake deficit. The
difference in velocity between the air inside and outside the wake results in a shear layer,
which thickens when moving downstream. In the shear layer turbulent eddies are formed. Due
to the ambient shear flow, the turbulence in the shear layer is non-uniform, i.e. the turbulence
intensity in the upper part is larger than in the lower part. In the near wake this leads to two
peaks in the turbulence intensity, but in the far wake they are no longer discernible. The higher
the thrust on the rotor, the lower the wake.
Table below shows the maximum power coefficient obtained at different pitch.
Table 3.16: Pitch Vs Cp
Pitch (× R) Cp
0.25 0.1094
0.5 0.1449
0.75 0.1880
1 0.2144
1.25 0.2361
1.75 0.2356
2 0.2324
Where R = Radius of the turbine blade = 75 mm
51
Pitch vs Cp
0.25
0.2
0.15
Cp
0.1
0.05
0
0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2
Pitch(× R)
Figure 3.24 Graph between pitch and power coefficient
Table 3.17: Effect of viscosity on torque for different pitch
Pitch λ ω Torque Torque Cp Cp Cp

(×R) (rad/s) (× 10-3 N-m) (× 10-3 N-m) (pressure) (viscous) (net)
(pressure) (viscous)
0.25 1.5 70 1.047 0.321 0.1579 0.0485 0.1094
0.5 1.75 81.666 1.199 0.375 0.2110 0.0661 0.1449
0.75 1.75 81.666 1.455 0.387 0.2561 0.0681 0.1880
1 1.75 81.666 1.607 0.389 0.2829 0.0684 0.2144
1.25 1.5 70 1.864 0.348 0.2811 0.0526 0.2285
1.5 1.5 70 1.911 0.346 0.2883 0.0521 0.2361
1.75 1.25 58.333 2.184 0.309 0.2746 0.0389 0.2356
2 1.25 58.333 2.154 0.305 0.2708 0.0384 0.2324
Due to viscosity of the fluid which causes resistant to movement, negative torque acts on the
rotating turbine which reduces the torque generated due to the pressure differences. Thus, net
torque is less than the torque generated by pressure difference.
52
Effect of viscosity
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2 Pressure
CP
0.15 Viscous
0.1 Net
0.05
0
0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2
Pitch (×R)
Figure 3.25 Graph representing effect of viscosity at different pitch
Table 3.18: Opening angle Vs Cp
Opening angle, θ (degrees) Cp

30 0.1712
45 0.2201
60 0.2361
75 0.2197
90 0.1636
53
Opening angle vs Cp
0.25
0.2
0.15
Cp
0.1
0.05
0
30 45 60 75 90
Opening angle (degrees)
Figure 3.26 Graph between power coefficient and opening angle
So, from the data and graphs above, the best model selected would be the turbine with pitch
at 112.5mm and the opening angle at 60°.
3.10 Aerodynamic characteristics of Best Geometry Model:

The best model selected among the different geometries is also analyzed through CFD and
different results obtained at different wind speed are given below:
Table 3.19: Simulation data at wind speed 3.5m/s
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp

0 0 2.676 - -
0.25 11.6666 2.515 0.0293 0.0632
0.5 23.3333 2.847 0.0664 0.1431
0.75 35 2.549 0.0892 0.1923
1 46.6666 2.121 0.0989 0.2133
1.25 58.3333 1.834 0.1069 0.2305
1.5 70 1.565 0.1095 0.2361
1.75 81.6666 1.275 0.1042 0.2245
54
Table 3.20: Simulation data at wind speed 6m/s
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp

0 0 8.046 - -
0.25 20 8.010 0.1602 0.0685
0.5 40 8.408 0.3363 0.1438
0.75 60 7.559 0.4535 0.1940
1 80 6.494 0.5195 0.2222
1.25 100 5.637 0.5637 0.2411
1.5 120 4.828 0.5794 0.2478
1.75 140 3.971 0.5559 0.2377
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp

0 0 14.465 - -
0.25 26.6666 14.366 0.3831 0.0691
0.5 53.3333 15.078 0.8042 0.1451
0.75 80 13.483 1.0786 0.1946
1 106.6666 11.624 1.2399 0.2237
1.25 133.3333 10.100 1.3467 0.2430
1.5 160 8.666 1.3866 0.2502
1.75 186.6666 7.135 1.3319 0.2403
55
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp
0 0 22.760 - -
0.25 33.3333 22.472 0.7491 0.0692
0.5 66.6666 23.703 1.5802 0.1460
0.75 100 21.125 2.1125 0.1951
1 133.3333 18.246 2.4328 0.2247
1.25 166.6666 15.865 2.6442 0.2443
1.5 200 13.637 2.7275 0.2519
1.75 233.3333 11.246 2.6242 0.2424
λ ω (rad/s) T (× 10-3 N-m) P (W) Cp

0 0 32.940 - -
0.25 40 32.621 1.3048 0.0697
0.5 80 33.751 2.7001 0.1443
0.75 120 30.500 3.6600 0.1957
1 160 26.393 4.2229 0.2258
1.25 200 22.955 4.5911 0.2455
1.5 240 19.757 4.7418 0.2535
1.75 280 16.309 4.5666 0.2442
56
C p Vs λ
0.3
0.25
0.2
3.5 m/s
Cp
0.15 6 m/s
8 m/s
0.1
10 m/s
0.05 12 m/s
0
0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5 1.75
λ
Figure 3.27 Graph representing power coefficient Vs tip speed ratio at different wind speed
The graph here shows that the maximum power coefficient obtained is about 0.25 at the tip-
speed ratio of 1.5 which is independent of the wind speed. Below are the velocity and pressure
contour at tip speed ratio of 1.5 and wind speed of 3.5 m/s.
Figure 3.28 Averaged velocity fields obtained by the steady simulation on a central plane
57
The figure portrays the average velocity fields experienced by the turbine. The figure describes
different velocities at different sections of the turbine. The maximum velocity is 4.88 m/s
which is at the tip region of the turbine blades. The minimum velocity is at the end of the
turbine shaft which is zero since all the inflow air gets blocked around there. Likewise, it can
also be observed that the speed of the inflow air decreases as it passes by the turbine and
reaches behind.
Figure 3.29 Static pressure distribution obtained by the steady simulation on central plane
The figure here represents the general pressure distribution along the turbine. The pressure is
maximum at the hub section of the turbine whose value is at 7.293 Pa. Initially, most of the
flow gets concentrated in the hub and then later gets distributed along the turbine. It can also
be seen that the lowest pressure experienced by the turbine at the end of the shaft and also
behind the turbine blade near the tip. Prominent pressure differences can be seen between the
inner and outer side of the blades which indicated that torque is generated and the turbine
rotates. The maximum pressure difference between the inner and outer section is 12.247 Pa.
Likewise, the root and the tip also contain some pressure differences which is most projecting
at the outermost blade which receives very less inflow air as the most of the air is blocked by
the initial blades.
58
Figure 3.30 Static pressure distribution obtained by the steady simulation on Front and Rear
side of Turbine respectively
The figure shows the pressure distribution on front and rear side of the turbine which is
represented by the contours. The front side experiences more amount of pressure while the
rear side has less pressure which indicates pressure difference. This pressure difference is
obtained due to blockage of inflow air by the front side of the turbine. The maximum pressure
obtained is at the hub which is 6.809 Pa more than the atmospheric pressure and the maximum
pressure difference between the front and rear side of the turbine is 17.118 Pa.
59
Drag on Turbine at different wind speed:
The drag forces experienced by the turbine at different wind speed are shown in the tables
given below:
Table 3.24: Drag of turbine at 6m/s
λ Drag (N) Cd
0 0.3734 0.9584
0.25 0.3783 0.9709
0.5 0.4103 1.0531
0.75 0.3771 0.9679
1 0.3370 0.8650
1.25 0.3103 0.7965
1.5 0.2864 0.7350
1.75 0.2621 0.6726
Table 3.25: Drag of turbine at 8m/s

λ Drag (N) Cd
0 0.6683 0.9648
0.25 0.6751 0.9746
0.5 0.7317 1.0563
0.75 0.6692 0.9661
1 0.5998 0.8659
1.25 0.5521 0.7970
1.5 0.5092 0.7352
1.75 0.4659 0.67260
Above tables shows that drag coefficient on turbine is independent of wind speed. Drag is
formed due to pressure difference at front and back side of the blade in axial-direction. Drag
is in decreasing order as the tip speed ratio increases. Plot of drag coefficient and tip speed
ratio is shown below.
60
Cd vs λ
1.2
0.8
Cd
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5 1.75
λ
Figure 3.31 Drag coefficient on turbine at different tip speed ratio
61
CHAPTER FOUR
FABRICATION, TESTING AND ANALYSIS
The fabrication of the turbine blade was done using 3D-printer. Ball bearings were installed
in the forward and backward of the blade shaft and the system was placed in frame as shown
in the figure below. Different process used during fabrication of frame were drilling, shaping,
turning, reaming and welding.
The testing procedure was conducted in the wind tunnel rig available in the laboratory of
Kathmandu University. The open suction type wind tunnel employed in this study has 30 cm
× 40 cm as a cross-sectional area. The experimental model was placed in the one-third of the
total distance of the wind tunnel.
Wind speed in the tunnel was varied from 0 to 9 m/s. Torque was calculated by using dry
friction dynamometer.
Figure 4.1: Experimental Setup
62
4.1 Torque measurement using Dry friction Dynamometer
Figure 4.2 Band Type Braking System

Equipment Required
a. Tachometer
b. Spring balance
c. Anemometer
Experiment Procedure
For this experimental set up, band type brake system is used for torque calculation. Belt is
attached to turbine shaft. Initially coefficient of friction is calculated by using a known weight
and spring balance outside the tunnel. Then the setup is placed inside the wind tunnel where
one end of the belt is fixed and other end is free where load is added. As the load is increased
the rotational speed of turbine decreases. Rotational speed of rotor is measured at different
load using tachometer. This experiment is repeated for different wind speed. The wind speed
is measured using digital anemometer.
63
4.2 Experimental data
The table below depicts the weight that were added and the respective rpms at different wind
speeds.
Table 4.1: Dynamometer test Data
Load (gram) RPM

9 m/s
50 2140
150 1870
250 1075
300 750
400 550
8 m/s
50 1790
150 1440
250 770
300 575
400 375
7m/s
50 1550
150 925
250 445
300 325
Calculation of coefficient of friction:

Angle of contact, Φ = 174°
Diameter of shaft, d = 6 mm
Reading on spring balance, F1 = 1345 N
Weight added, F2 = 650 N
Using formula for band type brake:
Coefficient of friction, f = 0.24
64
4.3 Data Analysis
Table 4.2: Dynamometer test calculation
RPM ω (rad/s) λ Load (N) Torque (N-m) P (W) Cp

9m/s
2140 224.1001 1.8675 50 0.0016 0.3611 0.0457
1870 195.8258 1.6318 150 0.0048 0.9466 0.1199
1075 112.5736 0.9381 250 0.0081 0.9069 0.1149
750 78.5397 0.6544 300 0.0096 0.7593 0.0962
550 57.5958 0.4799 400 0.0128 0.7424 0.0941
8m/s
1790 187.4482 1.7573 50 0.0016 0.3020 0.0382
1440 150.7963 1.4137 150 0.0048 0.7289 0.1315
770 80.63414 0.7559 250 0.0081 0.6496 0.1172
575 60.2138 0.5645 300 0.0096 0.5821 0.1051
375 39.2698 0.3681 400 0.0128 0.5062 0.0914
7m/s
1550 162.3155 1.7391 50 0.0016 0.2615 0.0706
885 96.86569 1.0378 150 0.0048 0.4682 0.1211
445 54.45423 0.5834 250 0.0081 0.4387 0.1014
325 43.45866 0.4656 300 0.0096 0.4201 0.0889
Hence, the torque and thus the power and power coefficient of the system is calculated. This
result can be best described through a graph as follows:
Torque Vs RPM
0.014
0.012
0.01
9 m/s
Torque
0.008
0.006 8 m/s
0.004 7 m/s
0.002
0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
RPM
Figure 4.3 Torque vs. RPM obtained from experiment
65
C p VS λ
0.3
0.25
0.2 Theoretical(3.5m/s
to12m/s)
Cp
0.15
9m/s(Experimental)
0.1
8 m/s(Experimental)
0.05
0 7 m/s(Experimental)
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
λ
Figure 4.4 Comparison between simulation and experimental result
Above graph reveals that power coefficient is near to the values obtained by simulation at
lower tip speed ratio of around 0.5 but power coefficient is quite low at higher tip speed ratio.
Also the plot at different wind speed is not coincident as in the plot obtained by simulation.
The possible reasons for these variation from simulation data are:
a) Since the torque is very low (in the order of 10-3 N-m), bearing friction may become
significant, which is not considered in our calculation.
b) Blockage of airflow by the bearing house (30 mm × 56 mm) mounted in front of the
inlet of turbine.
c) Torque measurement method used is not precise for small torque measurement.
d) Proper wind tunnel with suitable sensors to measure aerodynamic forces, pressure
distribution, or other aerodynamic-related characteristics was not available for testing.
4.4 Radius calculation for 0.25 kW Turbine

Using Formula,
Where Cpd is the design power coefficient, ƞd is the drive train efficiency, ƞg is the generator
efficiency and Vd is the design velocity.
66
For wind velocity of 10 m/s assuming following data:
Cpd = 0.3, ƞd = 0.95, ƞg = 0.75
We get
R = 0.779 m
Choosing radius of 750 mm, simulation is done at tip speed ratio of 1.5 and following results
are obtained.
Table 4.3: Data obtained from simulation at different wind speed
Wind velocity (m/s) ω (rad/s) Torque (N-m) Power (W) Cp
6 12 6.155 73.86 0.3159
8 16 10.99 175.84 0.3173
10 20 17.215 344.3 0.3180
12 24 24.95 598.8 0.3201
From above table at 10 m/s Power output is 344.3 W. After drivetrain and generator losses.
Power can be calculated as:
Pnet = 344.3 (0.95) (0.75) =245 W
67
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Conclusions
An innovative kind of HAWT accepting the Archimedes spiral blade layout was familiarized.
Design, CFD analysis, modelling and testing of the turbine blade led to following conclusion:
 A theoretical tactic to design the Archimedes wind turbine was addressed. An
evaluation by the full 3D CFD analysis of the different geometries of the Archimedean
type turbine was done.
 The optimum geometry for the model obtained from the analysis was the pitch at 112.5
mm and opening angle at 60° with tip-speed ratio of 1.5 for a turbine diameter of 150
mm.
 The performance characteristics of the best selected model of Archimedes wind turbine
by 3D CFD analysis showed power coefficient, Cp = 0.25 while the experimental
results showed that the power coefficient, Cp = 0.13.
 A small scale wind turbine of 0.25 KW was designed through CFD analysis on the
basis of the model developed. The geometry parameters determined are 1500 mm
diameter, 1125 mm pitch and 60° opening angle for which Power coefficient of 0.32
was obtained at tip-speed ratio of 1.5.
5.2 Recommendations
 Experimental study in proper wind tunnel where aerodynamic force, pressure and other
aerodynamic characteristics can be observed can be conducted for further development
of the turbine.
 Further analysis for developing a suitable size of ASWT to fulfill household power
(development of add-on system with solar PVC) requirement can be done.
 Stress analysis of turbine blade to maximize survival speed at different wind sites of
Nepal can also be performed.
 Use of highly sensitive torque measuring device for torque calculation can be done for
better experimental results.
 By developing a large scale turbine through the determined scale, the turbine can be
applicable for urban use as well as used in between large wind farms for production of
energy when the wind speed is low and financial analysis can be done.
68
REFERENCES
[1]A hands-on Introduction to Engineering Simulation. 1 June 2016 www.edx.org.
[2]Bakker, André. "Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics."
[3]Barrett, Sebastian Lachance and Edwin Corona. Fluent - Wind Turbine Blade. 10 June
2016 www.simcafe.org.
[4]Blazek, J. Computational Fluid Dynamics:Principles and Applications. Baden-Daettwil:

ELSEVIER SCIENCE Ltd, 2001.
[5]Cao, Han. Aerodynamics Analysis of Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Blades by
Using 2D and 3D CFD Modelling. MSc Thesis. Preston, 2011.
[6]Chandrala, Mr. Monir, Abhishek Prof. Choubey and Bharat Prof. Gupta. Aerodynamic
Analysis Of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Blade (2012).
[7]Davidson, Lars. "An Introduction to Turbulence." G¨oteborg: Department of Thermo and

Fluid Dynamics, November 2003.
[8]Eminoglu, Ulas and Saffet Ayasun. "Modeling and Design Optimization of Variable-
Speed Wind Turbine Systems." Energies (2014).
[9]Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics. Perf. Dmitri Kuzmin. Institute of Applied

Mathematics,University of Dortmund.
[10]JI, Ho Seong, et al. "The Aerodynamic Performance Study on Small Wind Turbine with
500W Class through Wind Tunnel Experiments." International Journal of Renewable Energy
Sources (n.d.).
[10]Ji, HoSeong, et al. "Aerodynamic characteristics of an Archimedes spiral wind." (n.d.).
[11]Kim, Kyung Chun, et al. "Experimental and Numerical Study of the Aerodynamic
Characteristics of an Archimedes Spiral Wind Turbine Blade." energies (2014).
[12]Namiranian, Abtin. 3D simulation of a 5MW wind turbine. Karlskrona, 2011.
[13]NEUPANE, MANISH, et al. "CFD ANALYSIS OF WINGLET DESIGN AT LOW

SUBSONIC SPEED." Bachelor Thesis. 2014.
[14]Patankar, Shailesh P., Samir J. Deshmukh and Rucha R. Kolhekar. "Theoretical Analysis
of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine." International Journal of Innovative and Emerging
Research in Engineering (2015).
[15]Safdari, Arman and Kyung Chun Kim. "Aerodynamic and Structural Evaluation of
Horizontal." Journal of Clean Energy Technologies (2015).
[16]Sayma, Abdulnaser. COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS. Ventus Publishing

ApS, 2009.
69
[17]Scheurich, Frank and Richard E. Brown. "Modelling the Aerodynamics of Vertical-Axis
Wind Turbines in Unsteady Wind Conditions."
[18]SUBEDI, KSHITIZ KUMAR, et al. "AERODYNAMIC AND STABILITY ANALYSIS

OF BLENDED WING BODY AIRCRAFT." Bachelor Thesis. 2015.
[19]Suzuki, Masami. "Numerical Analysis of Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine Characteristics

in Yawed Conditions." Open Journal of Fluid Dynamics (2012).
[20]Verma, Saurabh, S. K. Mishra and S.K. Moulick. "CFD ANALYSIS OF NOZZLE IN

ABRASIVE WATER." International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and
Studies (2015).
[21]M. Mieremet. "The aerodynamic method of the Archimedes Windturbine." Pusan

National University, South Korea (2014).
[22]Budynas, Richard G. and J. Keith Nisbett. Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design

McGraw Hill, 2011.
70
APPENDIX A TURBINE PARAMETERS AND DRAWING
71
72
73
74
75
APPENDIX B SHAFT SELECTION
Choosing Shaft diameter, d= 6mm

Assuming factor of safety, n = 2
Using SAE 1018,
Ultimate tensile stress, Sut = 400MPa
Yield stress, Sy =220MPa
Calculation for maximum allowable torque (T) :
Using formula,
𝟏𝟔𝒏 𝑻
d ={ [𝟑(S )𝟐 ] 0.5} 0.3333
𝝅 y
Solving for T,
We get, T = 2.7N-m
Note: Estimated torque on shaft is well below 2.7 N-m
76
77
APPENDIX C BEARING SPECIFICATION
Single row ball bearing 626.2ZR GERMANY FAG®
Bore diameter: 6mm

Outer diameter: 19mm
Load rating:
Dynamic (C10) = 2.838KN
Static (C0) = 1.078KN
Fatigue load limit = 49N
Limiting speed
With grease = 35000 rpm
With oil = 42000 rpm
78
APPENDIX D BAND TYPE BRAKING SYSTEM
79
APPENDIX E PHOTO GALLERY
Photo 1: Lathe operation for drilling Photo 2: Digital Anemometer
Photo 4: Air speed measurement
Photo 3: 3D Printed turbine model
80
Photo 5: Load addition on turbine shaft
Photo 6: Turbine at rotating phase Photo 7: Digital Tachometer
81
Photo 8: Wind Tunnel
82

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TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

Design, CFD Analysis and Modelling of Archimedean Spiral-Type Wind Turbine

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING

We are indebted to Turbine Testing Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kathmandu

TABLE OF CONTENTS ..........................................................................................................6

LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................................9

LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................11

LIST OF SYMBOLS ..............................................................................................................12

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................... 14

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................15

1.1. Background ...............................................................................................................15

1.2. Archimedes Spiral type Wind Turbine .....................................................................15

1.3. Objective ...................................................................................................................15

1.3.1. General Objective .....................................................................................................15

1.3.2. Specific Objectives ...................................................................................................15

1.4. Methodology .............................................................................................................16

1.4.1. Problem Statement ....................................................................................................16

1.4.2. Literature Review......................................................................................................16

1.4.3. Design .......................................................................................................................16

1.4.4. Fabrication ................................................................................................................17

1.4.5. Testing and Results ...................................................................................................17

1.5. Scope of Work ..........................................................................................................17

1.6. Limitations ................................................................................................................18

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ....................................................................19

2.1. Historical Background ..............................................................................................19

2.2. Types of wind turbines..............................................................................................20

2.4. Archimedean Spiral-Type Wind Turbine .................................................................21

2.4.1. The Archimedean Spiral ...........................................................................................21

2.4.2. Archimedes Rotor .....................................................................................................22

2.5. Turbine Aerodynamics..............................................................................................23

2.5.1. Tip Speed Ratio.........................................................................................................23

2.5.2. Power and Torque .....................................................................................................24

2.5.3. Betz limit...................................................................................................................24

2.6. Finite Element Method (FEM)..................................................................................25

2.7. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) .....................................................................25

2.7.1. Principle theories relevant to CFD modelling ..........................................................26

2.7.2. Turbulent models ......................................................................................................26

2.7.3. Solution Methods ......................................................................................................27

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ...................................................28

3.1. Concept and Incubation .............................................................................................28

3.2. Software description ..................................................................................................28

3.3. Design Parameters estimation ....................................................................................28

3.3.1. Wind Velocity ............................................................................................................29

3.3.2. Angular Velocity .......................................................................................................29

3.3.3. Pitch of the blade ......................................................................................................29

3.3.4. Opening angle ...........................................................................................................29

3.4. Aerodynamic Analysis of the Turbine ......................................................................30

3.4.1. Modelling of Geometry.............................................................................................30

3.4.2. Grid Generation (Mesh Geometry) ...........................................................................30

3.5. Fluent Simulation ......................................................................................................31

3.6. Fluent setup parameters ............................................................................................31

3.7. Boundary conditions .................................................................................................32

3.9. Aerodynamic characteristics of Best Geometry Model: .............................................54

CHAPTER FOUR: FABRICATION, TESTING AND ANALYSIS ............................... 62

4.1. Torque measurement using Dry friction Dynamometer .............................................63

4.2. Experimental Data ......................................................................................................64

4.3. Data Analysis ..............................................................................................................65

4.4. Radius calculation for 0.25 kW Turbine .....................................................................66

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ..............................68