Impact of Blade Design (Variability) on Archimedes Spiral

Wind Turbine Efficiency

Ahmad Adel Abdallah Mahmoud a ,

a
Student at Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences, 83024 Rosenheim

Keywords ABSTRACT

Wind Energy This study demonstrates the performance of the fixed-angle and variable-
Archimedes Turbine angle designs of Archimedes Spiral Wind Turbine, for power generation
Axial Flow Turbine
Archimedes Turbines are particularly appealing in areas with varying wind
Archimedes Spiral
Fixed-Angle speeds due to their simple design, ease of manufacturing, and compatibility
Va r i a b l e - A n g l e with axial flow. The study utilized a combination of computer simulations and
practical measurements to compare the efficiency of the design
configurations. A new measurement system was implemented to collect data
more accurately. The results indicate a significant advantage in power
generation for the variable-angle design, showing a 14.7% increase
compared to the fixed-angle counterpart, specifically at angles set to 25°,
50°, and 60°. Furthermore, both designs demonstrated improvements in
power and torque coefficients as wind speeds increased. The findings of this
research highlight the benefits of utilizing variable-angle rotors to enhance
the performance of Archimedes Turbines, in sustainable power generation.

1-Introduction urban use, it is allowed to harness wind power

for on-site energy generation or agricultural
The global demand for renewable energy districts [4].
sources such as wind power is growing in the
pursuit of sustainable electricity generation. The Archimedes spiral wind turbine, a
Wind turbines, particularly Archimedes Spiral horizontal-axis drag-type turbine, is known to
Wind Turbines (ASWTs), play a pivotal role in have a slightly higher aerodynamic efficiency
harnessing wind energy efficiently. Renewable than vertical-axis drag-type wind turbines [5].
technologies are clean sources of energy and The Archimedes Spiral Wind Turbine (ASWT)
their optimal use minimizes environmental utilizes the kinetic energy. The advantages of
impacts, secondary wastes and they are the ASWT become obvious around buildings
sustainable based on current and future for example, because the wind turbine
economic and social societal needs [1]. The operates at low wind speeds. The wind
wind turbine technology has a unique direction in an urban environment changes
technical identity and unique demands in constantly, but the Archimedes wind turbine
terms of the design methods [2]. Remarkable follows the direction automatically because
advances (in the wind power design) have the yaw is passively controlled by the drag
been achieved due to technological force [6]. Other advantages include low noise
developments. Since 1980, advances in because of the relatively low rotational speed
aerodynamics, structural dynamics, and and Low maintenance cost. However, the
“micrometeorology” have contributed to a 5% Archimedes wind turbine has a high thrust
annual increase in the energy yield of the force compared to a propeller-type
turbines [3]. There are two types of wind conventional HAWT [7].
turbines; Vertical Axis wind Turbine (VAWT)
and Horizontal Axis wind Turbine (HAWT). The Archimedes spiral windmill is a new
Recently, the development of small wind type of wind turbine with a horizontal axis
turbines, that are quiet and specified for comprising three circular blades which are
wrapped around one another and then of the Archimedes spiral wind turbine, which
expanded. This creates a three-dimensional allow the rotor to rotate about an axis parallel
conical turbine, similar to elongated shells to the ground, utilizing the drag on the blade
found on the beach. The unique design surface to generate torque and power. By
ensures that the turbine draws in wind. The evaluating power and torque coefficients
average yield is many times higher compared under varying wind speeds, the research
to a normal urban windmill propeller. using identified design features that enhance energy
drag force and lift force as its working production and operational efficiency. For
principle. Past studies focused on fixed-angles optimum performance of

the wind turbine the speed of the wind must settling chamber, and a nozzle section. The
lie in between 18 to 25 m/sec [8]. wind tunnel is constructed of 1.5 mm steel
plate, the test section structure was made of
2-Purpose of the Study mild steel. A single-speed induction motor was
used to drive the centrifugal fan, while the
This study compares the performance of suction inlet guide vanes regulated the wind
fixed-angle and variable-angle rotor designs of speed in the range of 6-12 m/s. The diffuser
ASWTs to optimize power generation. The length was 2750 mm with a diffusion angle of
main objective of this study was to conduct a 7° and an outlet cross-sectional area of 1000
comprehensive investigation of the mm. The settling length was 3000 mm and
performance of two different rotor designs of consisted of a coarse screen and a honeycomb
Archimedes Spiral Wind Turbines (ASWT) a structure, followed by a fine screen to produce
fixed-angle and a variable-angle configuration an approximately uniform flow. The nozzle
with a particular focus on their effectiveness section front view had a square cross-
in generating electric power. Through a sectional area of 400 mm x 400 mm. The
combination of experimental assessments and experimental setup consists of the turbine
numerical simulations, the research evaluated model and the assembly of measuring devices.
the power and torque coefficients of these All dimensions are shown in Fig. 1 [9].
rotor designs under varying wind speeds to
determine their operational efficiency and The ASWT geometry, based on prior
power generation capabilities. By comparing research by Kim et al., [6]. comprised three
the performance of the fixed-angle and 250 mm diameter blades angled at 120
variable-angle rotors, the study identified the degrees on a shaft as shown in Fig.3. Using
design characteristics that contribute to SolidWorks, detailed geometries of the ASWT
improved power output and overall were created. Two ASWT models with variable
effectiveness in harnessing wind energy for and fixed angles were fabricated and
electricity generation. The results are positioned 400 mm from the wind tunnel exit
expected to provide valuable insights that can as shown in Fig. 4. To measure the mechanical
inform future advancements in ASWT design, torque, a rotating torque sensor (FORSENTEK
particularly in optimizing blade configurations model FY02) with a range of 0-0.5 Nm and an
to maximize energy production in both remote uncertainty level of ±2% was utilized as
and urban environments. shown in Fig. 5. The sensor was paired with a
load cell indicator (FPTD model) to provide
3-Experimental Setup and regulate the input voltage, adjust
sampling frequency, and display measured
The experiments were performed in the values. Wind speeds were measured using a
Turbomachinery Lab, Mech. Power Eng. turbine meter with an accuracy of ±5%. The
Dept., Faculty of Engineering-Mattaria, turbine's performance was evaluated in terms
Helwan University, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. of torque coefficient (CT) and power
2. The open test section wind consisted of a 15 coefficient (CP), which are calculated using
kW centrifugal fan, a diffuser section, a specific equation

This study compares the performance of fixed- main objective of this study was to conduct a
angle and variable-angle rotor designs of comprehensive investigation of the
ASWTs to optimize power generation. The performance of two different rotor designs of
Archimedes Spiral Wind Turbines (ASWT) a speed in the range of 6-12 m/s. The diffuser
fixed-angle and a variable-angle configuration length was 2750 mm with a diffusion angle of
with a particular focus on their effectiveness 7° and an outlet cross-sectional area of 1000
in generating electric power. Through a mm. The settling length was 3000 mm and
combination of experimental assessments and consisted of a coarse screen and a honeycomb
numerical simulations, the research evaluated structure, followed by a fine screen to produce
the power and torque coefficients of these an approximately uniform flow. The nozzle
rotor designs under varying wind speeds to section front view had a square cross-
determine their operational efficiency and sectional area of 400 mm x 400 mm. The
power generation capabilities. By comparing experimental setup consists of the turbine
the performance of the fixed-angle and model and the assembly of measuring devices.
variable-angle rotors, the study identified the All dimensions are shown in Fig. 1 [9].
design characteristics that contribute to
improved power output and overall The ASWT geometry, based on prior
effectiveness in harnessing wind energy for research by Kim et al., [6]. comprised three
electricity generation. The results are 250 mm diameter blades angled at 120
expected to provide valuable insights that can degrees on a shaft as shown in Fig.3. Using
inform future advancements in ASWT design, SolidWorks, detailed geometries of the ASWT
particularly in optimizing blade configurations were created. Two ASWT models with variable
to maximize energy production in both remote and fixed angles were fabricated and
and urban environments. positioned 400 mm from the wind tunnel exit
as shown in Fig. 4. To measure the mechanical
3-Experimental Setup torque, a rotating torque sensor (FORSENTEK
model FY02) with a range of 0-0.5 Nm and an
The experiments were performed in the uncertainty level of ±2% was utilized as
Turbomachinery Lab, Mech. Power Eng. shown in Fig. 5. The sensor was paired with a
Dept., Faculty of Engineering-Mattaria, load cell indicator (FPTD model) to provide
Helwan University, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. and regulate the input voltage, adjust
2. The open test section wind consisted of a 15 sampling frequency, and display measured
kW centrifugal fan, a diffuser section, a values. Wind speeds were measured using a
settling chamber, and a nozzle section. The turbine meter with an accuracy of ±5%. The
wind tunnel is constructed of 1.5 mm steel turbine's performance was evaluated in terms
plate, the test section structure was made of of torque coefficient (CT) and power
mild steel. A single-speed induction motor was coefficient (CP), which are calculated using
used to drive the centrifugal fan, while the specific equations
suction inlet guide vanes regulated the wind

Fig. 2: Experimental setup and measurement

devices.

Fig. 3: Archimedes wind turbine (a) Variable-Angle,

(b) Fixed-Angle, dimensions in mm.

Fig. 4: Archimedes wind turbine models

Fig. 5: Measuring (Torque measurements)
instrumentation.
4T First, the motor moves the turbine at a set
C T= 2 speed without air. Then, wind at different
ρA V D speeds is sent through the tunnel at air
(1) velocities 5, 6, 7, and 8 m/s. The air's energy
makes the turbine shaft turn, and that force is
2T ω measured. This, plus the turbine speed, gives
CP= 3 the power generated. The turbine's
ρA V performance at each air speed is shown in a
(2)
graph. The minimum cut-off speed of the
ASWT under test is about 2.5 m/s [7]. The
 ¿ ¿
error analysis of the measured data is ¿ 4T ω
performed according to Taylor’s theory [10]. CP= ¿
3

Quantification errors occur due to instruments ρA V

inaccuracies or human errors. These errors (9)
are frequent and consistent, so we can deduce
them by making an educated assumption [10] Where:
by applying equation (3):
¿
2π N

√
¿
∂M 2
∂M 2
∂M 2 ω=
U m = (u x ) +(u x ) +...+(u x ) 60
1
∂ x1 2
∂ x2 n
∂ xn (10)
(3)
¿
¿ ω D
where M is the measured parameter, u is the TSR = ¿
error and x is the variable. 2V
(11)
The blockage ratio (ratio between the
model and the test section cross-section where ρ is the air density [kg/m3], V is airflow
areas) is 30%, which indicates a correction velocity [m/s], A is the turbine swept area
factor (f) of 7.5%, see Eq (4) [11]. This is [m2], TSR is the tip speed ratio, D is the rotor
reasonable and acceptable compared to those diameter [m], ω is the turbine angular speed
of previous studies, which were in arrange of [rad/s], and T is the turbine rotating torque
37.7% - 43.7% [11-14]. [Nm], respectively.

1 4-Results
f = ¿) (4)
4
The study was successfully validated the
predicted performance of the Archimedes
Thus, for an open type test section low-
spiral wind turbine, including electrical losses,
speed wind tunnel, to correct the measured
through a field test. The maximum error of
data of airflow velocity (V), rotating torque
(T), and the turbine rotational speed (N), less than 7.80% between the predicted and
these parameters are correlated as follows measured power outputs was demonstrated.
[15]: The maximum power coefficient of 0.293 at a
corresponding tip speed ratio of 2.19, was
n determined through simulation [5]. Based on
¿
V =V (1− F)[n=1 , 2 ,3 , 4 ,5 ] (5) the results an attempt has been made to use
5 such turbines in urban areas while reducing
¿ the installation height. A 3D model of the
T =T (1−f ) blades was designed on solidworks for static
(6) simulation and it was shown that such
turbines can yield rounds per minute (RPM) at
¿
N =N (1−f ) low wind speeds of 5 m/s. This indicates that
(7) the modified spiral wind turbine is ideal for
urban locations due to its property to
After calculating the blockage correction withstand wind turbulence. The simulation
factor (f) in the open type test sections, showed that the minimum speed required to
equations (1) and (2) can be rewritten as: function for the turbine is 5 m/sec and
theoretical efficiency is 71.38 %. The results
¿ 4T
¿ provided a comprehensive understanding of
C T= ¿
2 the performance of two Archimedes Spiral
ρA V D Wind Turbine (ASWT) rotor designs - fixed and
(8) variable-angle. Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. show
the power and torque coefficients of both
rotor designs under varying wind velocities.
They demonstrate a consistent increase in
both coefficients with higher wind speeds,
indicating the turbines' ability to extract more the impact of wind speed on turbine
energy from the wind. The variable-angle performance.
design consistently outperformed the fixed-
angle design, giving a 14.7% higher power Similarly, the comparison between the
output, which emphasizes the crucial role of experimental and CFD results of the variable-
blade design in turbine efficiency. Fig. 9 angle rotor design in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9
compares the experimental and demonstrate a close agreement between the
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) results experimental and numerical data, indicating
of the power coefficient for the variable-angle the reliability of the numerical simulations.
rotor design. The figure illustrated good The variable-angle rotor design exhibited a
agreement between the experimental and higher power output compared to the fixed-
numerical data at different Tip Speed Ratios angle design, showcasing its superior
(TSR), validating the accuracy of the efficiency in converting wind energy into
numerical simulations. Additionally, Fig. 10 electrical power. These findings highlight the
presents the comparison of CFD results of the importance of considering blade design
torque coefficient for fixed and variable-angle variations to optimize the performance of
rotors at various TSR values. The results Archimedes Spiral Wind Turbines.
highlight the superior performance of the
variable-angle design, further supporting the 5-Conclusion
notion that blade design significantly impacts
turbine efficiency. Through a combination of advanced
computer simulations and precise practical
Moreover, Fig. 11 provides insights into measurements, this research sheds light on
mesh independence, further proving the the advantages of variable-angle rotor
reliability and accuracy of the numerical configurations in enhancing ASWT
simulations conducted in the study. The performance. The findings contribute valuable
consistent trends observed in the insights to the field of wind turbine
experimental and numerical data reaffirmed technology, emphasizing the potential of
the superiority of the variable-angle rotor innovative designs to maximize sustainable
design in terms of power and torque energy production in diverse environments.
coefficients. These findings underscore the The turbines exhibit high response towards
importance of optimizing blade design to varying wind speed. The results presented in
enhance the overall performance of study underscore the significant impact of
Archimedes Spiral Wind Turbines. The blade design on the performance of
comparison between the experimental and Archimedes Spiral Wind Turbines. The
CFD results in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 for the fixed- experimental and numerical investigations
angle rotor design at different TSR values conducted for fixed and variable-angle rotor
reveal a close alignment between the two designs provided valuable insights into the
datasets. The results were obtained at varying power and torque coefficients of the turbines
flow velocities, showing that the turbine's under varying wind conditions. The superior
performance, in terms of power and torque performance of the variable-angle design, is
coefficients, remained consistent across evidence from the higher power output and
different wind speeds. The maximum power torque coefficients, emphasized the
coefficient achieved by the CFD analysis was importance of optimizing blade design for
at a TSR of 1.57, showing the turbine's enhanced turbine efficiency. Overall, the study
efficiency in extracting energy from the wind. shed light on the critical role of blade design
The experimental results displayed minor in maximizing the energy extraction
fluctuations in the power coefficient due to capabilities of Archimedes Spiral Wind
changes in flow velocity, further emphasizing Turbines, offering valuable implications for
the design and optimization of wind turbine
systems.