12-15 July 2011
Saint George Hotel
Africa/Johannesburg timezone

Mathematical Modeling of a Concentrator-Diffuser Wind Energy system

14 Jul 2011, 17:00
2h
Asteria

Asteria

Poster Presentation Track F - Applied and Industrial Physics Poster2

Speaker

Mr Peace-Maker Masukume (University of Fort Hare, Department of Physics)

Description

Optimization of power output from ducted wind turbines has been the focus of many researchers in recent years. However many have dwelt much on diffusers than concentrators (nozzles) . Diffusers are characterized by flow separation due to deceleration of the fluid and this leads to energy dissipation. On the other hand a concentrator is accompanied by a favourable pressure gradient which stabilizes the boundary layer and thus minimizes energy dissipation. This study presents a mathematical model of a concentrator-Diffuser system which has been developed to optimize the power output of a low speed wind turbine. Optimization of the inclination angles of both the concentrator and the diffuser, ducts exit ratios and the reduction in backpressure were found to augment the mass flow at the rotor due to increased pressure drop and reduction in flow separation. It is illustrated that Power coefficients (Cp) of about 0.65 are achievable.

Would you like to <br> submit a short paper <br> for the Conference <br> Proceedings (Yes / No)? Yes
Level (Hons, MSc, <br> &nbsp; PhD, other)? PhD student
Consider for a student <br> &nbsp; award (Yes / No)? yes

Primary author

Mr Peace-Maker Masukume (University of Fort Hare, Department of Physics)

Presentation Materials

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