Aerodynamic Shape Optimization of a Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine Using Differential Evolution

摘要

The purpose of this study is to introduce and demonstrate a fullyautomated process for optimizing the airfoil cross-section of avertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT). The objective is to maximizethe torque while enforcing typical wind turbine design constraintssuch as tip speed ratio, solidity, and blade profile. By fixingthe tip speed ratio of the wind turbine, there exists an airfoilcross-section and solidity for which the torque can be maximized,requiring the development of an iterative design system. Thedesign system required to maximize torque incorporates rapidgeometry generation and automated hybrid mesh generation toolswith viscous, unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD)simulation software. The flexibility and automation of the modulardesign and simulation system allows for it to easily be coupledwith a parallel differential evolution algorithm used to obtain anoptimized blade design that maximizes the efficiency of the windturbine.