Integration of Beddoes-Leishman aerodynamic model into double streamtube theory for vertical axis wind turbines simulation

A numerical methodology for the prediction of aerodynamics of VAWT is proposed, coupling the Beddoes-Leishman (BL) model for the airfoil’s unsteady aerodynamic coefficients prediction with the Paraschivoiu Double Streamtube (DS) aerodynamic model for VAWT. The model couples the rotational dynamics of the wind turbine modeled by DS with the aerodynamic coefficients degradation due to the local flow unsteadiness on the blade modeled by BL. The results achieved were compared with a set of experimental data available in literature and with CFD simulation, showing the importance of the non-stationary BL model for the blade’s aerodynamic coefficients prediction. Furthermore the coupled DSBL model is able to provide key information about the non-stationary aerodynamic conditions experienced on the blade for design and optimization purposes.