The effects of shape and size on duct-augmented horizontal axis turbine performance

摘要

This article seeks to contribute to knowledge on duct-augmented turbines by investigating the influence of the key geometric parameters of the duct on the turbine performance: (i) duct expansion angle and length, (ii) position of the duct relative to the rotor and (iii) added geometric features to the duct. A new analytic model is proposed for the duct-augmented turbine and used for the investigation. The proposed analytic model used in this study was developed with existing momentum and blade element analysis methodologies serving as its basis. Using the proposed analytic model, the duct length is found to be more influential on the duct turbine system performance than the duct expansion angle. In addition, the performance can be enhanced by addition of a flange to the duct trailing edge. The study also highlights that the optimum rotor location within a duct is slightly behind the minimum duct area.