Numerical simulation and experimental study of blade pitch effect on Darrieus straight-bladed wind turbine with high solidity: A case study under realistic conditions

Abstract Numerical and experimental studies were performed to examined the influence of pitch angle on the aerodynamic performance of a small Darrieus straight blade vertical axis wind turbine with high solidity and pitch regulation system under a realistic condition. By comparing experimental and numerical results, numerical results were validated. The power coefficient was measured and calculated at different tip speed ratios and for two pitch angles 0 and 5. The results revealed that 5 degrees increase in the pitch angle led to 25% elevation in the maximum value of the power coefficient (performance coefficient). Also, the numerical results showed higher accuracy at lower tip speed ratios for both pitch angles. After numerical method validation, numerical method employed to calculate the coefficient of performance and coefficient of torque function of Azimuth position as well as the flow field in the rotor affected zone and lateral distance. According to the numerical results, vorticity generation increased by the rise in the pitch angle at a constant tip speed ratio; the maximum performance coefficient occurred at a lower tip speed ratio with elevation in the pitch angle; finally, the increment in the pitch angle led to lower velocity profile in lateral distances of the rotor.