Aerodynamic Characteristics of the TARP (Toroidal Accelerator Rotor Platform) Wind Energy Conversion System

摘要

Augmented wind energy conversion systems are designed to increase the ambient wind velocity at the turbine blades. The Toroidal Accelerator Rotor Platform (TARP) is an innovative, augmenting structure for use with horizontal axis WECS. Its shape resembles that of a horizontally-oriented wheel rim and is intended to be built into or retrofitted onto structures built for other purposes, which could increase the use of WECS in urban areas. This report details how variations of the basic TARP structure, about three feet in diameter, were tested in a wind tunnel to determine the optimum design. The model system produced up to 4.5 times the power which the rotor and generator extracted without the TARP.