On the effects of the shape of the duct for ducted wind turbines

Abstract

Ducted Wind Turbines are characterized by a strong interaction between the duct and the rotor. In this study, the effect of the duct cross-section geometry on the flow across the rotor is investigated. The latter is modelled as an actuator disc with constant thrust coefficient. The study is carried out by means of a vortex panel code and Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) simulations. The vortex panel method shows that airfoil geometry with large camber leads to flow augmentation at the rotor plane. Three duct geometries are then investigated with RANS computations, showing a separation region at the trailing edge suction side of the duct that might lead to a reduction of the aerodynamic performances of the overall system.