Abstract
This study aims to improve the start-up performance of the drag-type VAWT by placing a defensive vane just upstream of VAWT rotor. Parametric study changing position of defensive vane and wind velocity reveals there is the most suitable position for the defensive vane. The closer defensive vane to the rotor the higher the rotation speed. The defensive vane should be located perpendicular to the wind direction. Torque measurements of VAWT rotor shows defensive vane increases torque three times higher than that without defensive vane.
