Development of Magatama Type Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Blade by Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

Magatama type blade configuration, which has been exclusively designed for vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT), is improved by Genetic Algorithm (GA). New Magatama blade section configurations, which generate aerodynamic force in direction of rotor rotation, are searched by GA. In this GA, the aerodynamic force is obtained by numerical simulation. Power performances of the VAWT with the obtained new Magatama blades are tested by wind tunnel experiments. Results show the power output from the VAWT rotor with the new Magatama blades is improved. Flow structure around the new Magatama blades in the VAWT rotor and aerodynamic forces generated by the blades are investigated by unsteady numerical simulation. Results show the new blades successfully generate aerodynamic forces that direction is close to the direction of rotation in upwind and downwind zones.