PDF《Wind Power Generators》

Using CFD to Predict the Performance of Innovative Wind Power Generators Daryoush Allaei Sheer Wind, Inc.

143 Jonathan Blvd N., Suite 200, Chaska, MN 55318, [email protected] Abstract: Multi physics simulation has progressed significantly in the recent years so that predictions of flow around and inside complex geometries are now possible. In the present work, simulations are used to evaluate a highly acclaimed innovative wind power generation system known as INVELOX. The model was developed using COMSOL package. The fluid dynamic modules were employed. The objective was to validate that this patented technology significantly outperforms traditional wind turbines and it delivers superior power output. A full scale model is built to verify laboratory and field test data and to utilize the validated model as an effective design tool during product development period. The computations involved cases with different incoming wind directions and changes in the intake geometry. The results are compared with those obtained by using another CFD package. The results illustrate capturing, accelerating and concentrating wind. Increased wind velocities result in significant improvement in the power output. Keywords: INVELOX, Wind, Venturi, Energy. 1. Introduction The patented INVELOX product line [1-2, 3- 4] is an innovative wind power generation system comprised of a wind capturing system that accelerates and delivers high kinetic energy wind to a power conversion system placed in its Venturi section. The fundamental innovation of the INVELOX system is that it eliminates the need for tower-mounted turbines while it capturers wind flow through an omnidirectional intake. It is claimed that INVELOX, standing for INcreases VELOcity, outperforms traditional wind turbines by delivering superior power output, at reduced cost, and in the process, solves all the major issues, such as low turbine reliability, intermittency issues and adverse environmental and radar impact, that have so far undermined the wind industry. One of the key measures to validate this claim is the degree of increased speed in the Venturi. The objective of this project is to build a full scale model to verify laboratory and field test data. The validated model is utilized as an effective design tool for future development. 2. Problem Definition The INVELOX system shown in Figure

1 is modeled in this work. Capture, accelerate, concentrate are the three words express the essence of INVELOX approach to wind power generation. The name INVELOX was born of this dedication to increasing the velocity of wind, and what the technology promises―energy that is affordable, abundant, safe, and clean―is nothing short of revolutionary. The fundamental innovation of the INVELOX system is that it eliminates the need for tower-mounted turbines. It'

s not merely a refinement of existing technology;

it is, rather, a deep rethinking of the problem. Instead of snatching bits of energy from the air as it passes through the blades of a rotor, it captures the source with a funnel and directs it through a tapering passageway that naturally accelerates its flow. Then this stream of kinetic energy is used to drive a generator that'

s installed safely and economically at ground level. It is noted that in the case of the traditional wind mill concepts, even though the pressure before and after the turbine is different (i.e. local pressure is impacted), yet the power conversion is proportional to the cubic power of wind speed and square power of blade radius. In other words, pressure in an open flow (i.e. not confined) system cannot be harvested, but it can be influenced. In the case of INVELOX system, the captured wind will be subjected to smaller cross section as they move through the system as Omnidirectional INVELOX Figure