Flow analyses of diffuser augmented wind turbines

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The main purpose of the study was to obtain the design parameters of optimum wind turbine linear shrouding bodies to enhance wind turbine performance further. The blade element momentum theory and k-ε turbulence model were used to determine the performance of wind turbine linear shrouds. Based on 17 different wind turbine shrouding systems considered in the present study, it is determined that the mass flow rate of the air passing through the turbine rotor disc section can be enhanced approximately by a factor of 1.85. Numerical analysis revealed that the highest wind power increase was achieved from an optimally designed linear shrouding system of the type having an inlet shrouding component at the upstream and flange component at the downstream of the diffuser. The theoretical wind turbine power coefficient, Cp indicated that power generations can be enhanced on the turbine rotor blades by a factor of 6.33. This result exceeds the field trial testing found in the literature. Finally, it is concluded that this optimally designed wind turbine inlet shroud system and flange components can be applied for micro wind turbines.