Design, Analysis, and Fabrication of Helical Blades for a Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine

Abstract

This paper aims to develop a helical vertical-axis wind turbine (HVAWT) through design, fabrication, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. The helical design promises improved aerodynamic efficiency and compactness. Existing HVAWT designs were reviewed and manufactured using 3D printing. The basic dimensions of the turbine were as follows: the blade height was 500 mm, and the diameter was 300 mm. Using CATIA and ANSYS, the detailed turbine design was optimized for parameters such as blade geometry and pitch angle. Experimental testing was conducted to validate performance metrics. Additionally, CFD simulations were performed to analyze airflow patterns and pressure distribution around the turbine. A thorough evaluation of the power coefficient (Cp) against the tip speed ratio (λ) was carried out to ensure the accuracy and validity of the modeling. The validation confirmed the reliability of the numerical approach and demonstrated good consistency with previous literature. To maintain consistency and focus on the performance of the chosen geometry, all subsequent analyses were conducted at the optimal power coefficient of 0.27. This ensures that the results are reliable for the selected design. By integrating experimental data and CFD results, this project seeks to enhance the understanding and optimization of HVAWTs, offering insights for efficient urban and remote wind energy solutions. The integrated approach—encompassing design, fabrication, experimental testing, and CFD analysis—provides valuable insights for developing efficient and sustainable wind energy technologies.