CFD Analysis & Experimental Investigation of NACA0018 Blade Profile For Darrieus Turbine

IPASJ International Journal of Mechanical Engineering (IIJME)
Web Site: http://www.ipasj.org/IIJME/IIJME.htm

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ISSN 2321-6441
A Publisher for Research Motivation ........
Volume 4, Issue 8, August 2016
CFD Analysis & Experimental investigation of

NACA0018 Blade Profile for Darrieus Turbine
Vikas Gorakh Pathade 1, Kishor B. Kale2 ,Sagar Kailas More3
1
Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, P.D.V.V.P.C.O.E., Ahmednagar.
Head of Department, Department of Mechanical Engineering, P.D.V.V.P.C.O.E., Ahmednagar.

3
Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, P.D.V.V.P.C.O.E., Ahmednagar.
ABSTRACT
In present work an attempt is made to investigate the Lift and Drag forces for wind turbine blade at 4000 Reynolds number and
different chord length i.e.15cm & 25 cm. In this work NACA0018 airfoil profile is considered for analysis of wind turbine
blade. The Lift and Drag forces are calculated at different angle of attack varying from 0o to 80o by Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD) analysis. The values of CL and CD for this Reynolds number is much important in analysis of Darrieus and
horizontal axis type of wind turbine blade, still it these values are not available from the literature reviewed . From CFD
analysis it is concluded that as Reynolds number increase lift forces and drag forces decreases for particular chord length and
if chord length increases CL and CD increases. And Comparison has been done on NACA0018 for all two chord length and
from that we concluded that NACA0018 at 15cm provides maximum lift and drag.
Keywords: Lift coefficient, Drag coefficient, angel of attack, NACA Blade profile, Chord length.
1. INTRODUCTION
Due to day by day increase in populations in India and world there is need simple economical device which will
produce electricity very fast and at very low cost. This need of modern society will be fulfill by simple three blade wind
turbine which is called darreius turbine. Selection of aero foil shape of blade is the most critical part of a wind turbine
design as ultimately blade is responsible for conversion of kinetic energy into mechanical energy. Aerodynamics is a
science and study of physical laws of the behavior of objects in airflow and the forces that are produced by airflows.
Aerodynamic performance of wind turbine blades can be analyzed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), which
is one of the branches of fluid mechanics. Aerodynamic studies are quite mature for flows with large Reynolds number.
However, there are not much analytical, numerical or experimental studies available for flows at very low Reynolds
numbers. In order to extract the maximum kinetic energy from wind, researchers put much effort on the design of
effective blade geometry. Consideration of 2D geometries, i.e., airfoils, for such studies seems to be a good starting
point to improve understanding of higher Reynolds number flows.In this regard, some experimental studies are
reported in Schmitz F. W., 1967, Sunada S. et al., 1997 [1], Sunada S. et al., 2002 [2], M.Nazmul 2015 [3]. The effects of
aerofoil profile modification on a vertical axis wind turbine performance are presented in by MdFarathIsmail,
Krishanavijayrahgavan 2015 [4]. The effect of Blockage-tolerant wind tunnel measurements for a NACA 0012 at high
angles attack is presented by J.M Rainbird , J .Peiro 2015 [5].N. Rostamzadeh et al.2012[6] has performed novel
variation on tubercles was employed to modify a NACA0021 airfoil for wind tunnel pressure measurement tests in the
transitional flow regime. K. E. Swalwell et al. 2001[7] has done investigation effect of turbulence intensity on stall of the
NACA0021 aerofoil increasing the turbulence intensity delayed stall until higher angles of attack. Further they
investigated the reasons for this delay, to repeat this experiment on a thick cambered aerofoil and to assess the likely
effect on wind turbine performance. Bhushan S Patil et al[8] has performed CFD analysis of wind turbine at various
angle of attack and different Reynolds number for blade NACA0012. From literature survey, it is observed that, study
of lift and drag forces on aerofoil, for very low Reynolds number at different angle of attack is not explode more. In this
present work an attempt is made to study the Lift and Drag forces on a wind turbine blade for very low Reynolds
number i.e.4000 and different angle of attack. In present work NACA0018 airfoil profile is considered for analysis of
wind turbine blade. The Lift and Drag forces are calculated at different angle of attack from 0o to 80o for Reynolds
number is 4000 and also for two different chord i.e. 15cm and 25cm lengths by computational fluid dynamics analysis.
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1.1 Lift Coefficient (CL):- It is a dimensionless coefficient that relates the lift generated by aerofoil, the dynamic
pressure of the fluid flow around aerofoil, and a reference area associated with the body. This is given as follows
L
CL =
Lift force (L) =
CL
1 2 A
2
1.2 Drag Coefficient (CD): It is a dimensionless quantity that is used to quantify the drag or resistance of an object in a
fluid environment such as air for aerofoil. This is given as follows
D
CD
, Drag force (D) =

2
1
CD
1.3 Angle Of Attack ( ): The angle of attack is the angle between an airfoil cord line and the oncoming air.
2. GEOMETRY AND MESH GENERATION

In present analysis, C type mesh with two way velocity inlet method is used. The close view of mesh and boundary
condition used in analysis is shown in fig.2 and fig.1 respectively. The pressure based implicit steady solver with
Standard k- model turbulence model with PRESTO second order upwind scheme is used for analysis.
Fig. 1 Geometry with boundary conditions
Fig. 2. Close view of C type mesh for NACA0012
2.1 GRID INDEPENDENCE TESTS

Grid Independence Tests are performed for finding the least resolution or number of cells required to obtain accurate
solutions. It is helpful in saving time and memory space in working out a numerical simulation. In this method one or
parameters are obtained at various resolutions, starting from lower to higher. As the number of cells increases the
parameter converges to an asymptotical value indicating the accuracy of solutions and minimum cells required for it.
By doing the Grid Independence Test we will be able to save the computational time. The Grid Independence Test was
done for an airfoil at 10 degree angle of attack by the above Boundary conditions by using all the turbulence models.
The figures given below are the graphs for Grid Independence Test, for an airfoil at 10 degree angle of attack for the kturbulence model. The k- turbulence model converges needs more number of iterations as compared to the other
two models. Hence the results shown below are plotted for the k- model Lift Coefficient, Drag Coefficient and for the
different element size. Based on the results, we can select the element size of 14040 as the best element size.
Fig.3. Grid independence study mesh
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3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3. 1. NACA0018: Initially, CFD analysis is carried out for NACA0018 and two different chord length 15cm, 25cm, for
Reynolds number 4000. Geometric details are shown in Fig.1. Map meshed used for simulation, close view of map
mesh used near aerofoil is shown in Fig.2. The obtained results are plotted in fig.4 to fig.11 for angle of attack 10 to
80 respectively on velocity contour around aerofoil.
As per our angle of attack is changing 10 to 80 formation of wake is changing and has been observed from the fig. at
higher angle of attack 50 to 80 flow get diverted and due to separation of flow phenomenon of stalling is observed.
Because of stalling our lift coefficient is decreases at higher angle of attack i.e. 50 to 80.
Fig. 4. Velocity contour for angle of attack 100
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4. EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION AND VALIDATION

4.1 INTRODUCTION
Free flow wind turbines are one of the best known renewable energy sources among the other renewable sources like
solar and wind energy. Wind turbine electricity generation is mainly aimed for rural use at sites remote from existing
electricity grids. It is a useful tool for improving the quality of life of people in these locations and for stimulating local
economies. The energy in wind is predictable and reliable energy resource is available 24 hours a day. Wind turbine
can extract power from wind. These turbines generate electricity using the kinetic energy of natural wind resources
using different types of rotors. These rotors are fixed to a structure on the riverside. These devices are easy to transport
and relocate.
So for after CFD analysis, it has been decided that to do experimental testing on wind tunnel located at Chhatrapati
College of engineering, Ahmednager. So testing has been done on wind tunnel set for NACA0018 -15 cm, 25 cm
which are the optimize blade profile obtained from CFD. Experimental Set up details are given below.
(a)Apparatus used in experimentsWind tunnel, Pitot tube and manometer, Variable frequency drive (VFD), Digital display attached with wind tunnel.
(b)Wind Tunnel- Wind tunnel apparatus is used for calculating lift and drag force of aerofoil. Forced convection air
flow by blower is used on statically placed aerofoil in a box for calculating lift and drag force developed by restricting
air flow by aerofoil. The aerofoil is fixed by fixing stand with an adjustment of rotating the aerofoil for setting required
angle of attack
(c)Specification of wind tunnel:1. Length = 92 cm
2. Width & height = 28 cm
4.2Pitot tube and ManometerPitot tube is attached with aerofoil to measure the pressure head developed. And to achieve required Reynolds number.
This is used to calculate velocity of air , the Pitot tube shown below used for measure pressure.
4.3Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)- Variable Frequency Drive is for adjusting speed of blower and pressure head
i.e. speed of air by varying frequency of blower. It is very with highly accurate instrument. It is very advance
instruments.
4.4 Digital Display- For displaying Lift and drag coefficients:
The digital display is provided for displaying lift and drag coefficients obtained from aerofoil by setting different angle
of attack on wind tunnel. These displays are highly accurate and extremely good in profile manner
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ISSN 2321-6441
Digital Display- For displaying Lift and drag coefficients.

4.5Aerofoil: Two aerofoil are manufacture on CNC and made of FRP. The blade profile is used is NACA0018 and two
chord length are tested 15 cm and 25 cm.
Figure 12: Aero foil

Procedure of wind tunnel testing
1) Aerofoil is set in the test section of the wind tunnel at a small angle (a=10o ) of attack with the help of
inclinometer.
2) Multi tube manometer is adjusted so that all tubes are levelled.
3) All pressure tapping from top and bottom site of aerofoil is connected to multi tube manometer.
4) The motor of wind tunnel is started at the required running speed and the velocity of wind in test section is
determined with the help of anemometer.
5)For this particular angle of attack (a=10o ) values of static and dynamic pressure H1 and Hx are obtained for all
the pressure tapping.
6)Now change the angle of attack with the help of inclinometer (now (a=20o )and note down the values of static and
dynamic pressure H1 and Hx for all the pressure tapping.
4.6 Testing for NACA0018 for chord length 15 cm:
Following observations are observed with wind tunnel set up on NACA0018 aerofoil at Re=4000
Table No. 1
Sr. No.
Angle of attack
Lift coefficient
Drag coefficient
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
0.06
0.13
0.21
0.49
0.3
0.18
0.12
0.10
0.04
0.06
0.09
0.15
0.13
0.24
0.118
0.29
From observation table and graphs on next pages it observed that if same Reynolds number lift coefficient increase with
increase in angle of attack and it reaches maximum value suddenly decreases, this phenomena called as stalling.
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4.7 Testing for NACA0018 for chord length 25 cm:

Following observations are observed with wind tunnel set up on NACA0018 aerofoil at Re=4000
Table No. 2
Sr. No.
Angle of attack
Lift coefficient
Drag coefficient
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
0.08
0.10
0.12
0.13
0.24
0.18
0.09
0.08
0.02
0.06
0.08
0.21
0.16
0.24
0.28
0.32
From observation table and graphs on next pages it observed that if same Reynolds number lift coefficient increase with
increase in angle of attack and it reaches maximum value suddenly decreases, this phenomena called as stalling.
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4.8 Validations and comparison of experimental and CFD results for NACA0018-15 cm and 25 cm:
4.8.1 NACA0018-15 CM:
Table No. 3
Angle of attack
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Lift coefficient EXP

0.06
0.13
0.21
0.49
0.3
0.18
0.12
0.1
LIFT CFD
0.1521
0.278
0.3638
0.6
0.5
0.3494
0.2692
0.1693
Error. %
0.0921
0.148
0.1538
0.11
0.2
0.1694
0.1492
0.0693
From above graphs and table it has been seen that for NACA0018 -15 cm CFD results are closely matches with EXPT
results very less Error must be found i.e. 0.1 in lift coefficient and drag coefficient. Highest lift coefficient obtained by
CFD =0.6 and EXPT=0.49 at angle of attack 400. So from all CFD results are totally validated for NACA001815CM.
4.8.2 NACA0018-25CM
Table No. 4.4
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Table No. 4.5

Sr. No.
Angle of attack
Drag coefficient EXP
Drag CFD
ERROR
10
0.02
0.0388
0.0188
20
0.06
0.0701
0.0101
30
0.08
0.1141
0.0341
40
0.21
0.1651
-0.0449
50
0.16
0.2188
0.0588
60
0.24
0.3167
0.0767
70
0.28
0.4414
0.1614
80
0.32
0.6219
0.3019
From above graphs and table it has been seen that for NACA0018 -2 5 cm CFD results are closely matches with EXPT
results very less Error must be found i.e. 0.1 in lift coefficient and drag coefficient. Highest lift coefficient obtained by
CFD =0.3005and EXPT=0.24 at angle of attack 500. So from all CFD results are totally validated for NACA0018-25
CM.
Table No. 4.6
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5. CONCLUSION
1.
2.
3.
4
5.
CFD analysis is carried out for blade profile NACA0018 and Reynolds 4000 and eight different angles of attack
10o to 80o for two different chord length ( i.e. 15 cm, 25cm)
It is also observed that for same chord length and same Reynolds number lift coefficient increase with increase in
angle of attack and it reaches maximum value suddenly decreases, This phenomena called as stalling.
It has been seen that drag coefficient increase with increasing angle of attack and it reaches maximum value at
angle of attack 800, in every case.
So NACA0018 with chord length 15 cm shows highest lift coefficient=0.62at angle of attack 400 and RE=4000
among all chord length and all Reynolds number and all blade profile used.
It has been found that NACA0018 blade profile with 15 cm Chord length gives maximum lift coefficient =0.6 and
Drag coefficient = 0.099 at angle of attack 400. So this values used in theoretical analysis to find out power
coefficient values.
Acknowledgment
I am highly greatly thankful to the Principal, Dr. H. N. Kudal and Dr. K. B. Kale, project guide and Head of
Department of Mechanical Engineering, P.D.V.V.P.COE, Ahmednagar for providing guidance and all possible help
during investigation of various experiments performed.
References
[1] Sunada S., Sakaguchi A., Kawachi K. (1997). Airfoil section characteristics at a low Reynolds number. Journal of
Fluids Engineering, 119, 129-135.
[2] Sunada S., Yasuda T., Yasuda K., Kawachi K., (2002) Comparison of wing characteristics at an ultralow
Reynolds number. Journal of Aircraft, 39, 331-338.
[3] NazmulHaque, Mohammad Ali, IsmatAra, Experimental investigation on the performance of NACA 4412
aerofoil with curved leading edge planform, Procedia Engineering 105( 2015 ) 232 240, Elsevier.
[4] MdFarhad Ismail, Krishna Vijayaraghavan, The effects of aerofoil profile modification on a vertical axis wind
turbine performance, Energy 80 (2015) 20e31, Elsevier.
[5]
J.M. Rainbird, J. Peir, J.M.R. Graham, Blockage-tolerant wind tunnel measurements for a NACA 0012 at high
angles of attack, J. Wind Eng. Ind. Aerodyn. 145 (2015) 209218,
[6] N. Rostamzadeh, R.M. Kelso, B.B. Dally, Z.F. Tian , An Experimental and Computational Study of Flow over a
NACA 0021 Airfoil with Wavy Leading Edge Modification 18 th Australasian Fluid Mechanics conference
,Australia 3-7 December 2012.
[7] K. E. Swalwell, J. Sheridan and W. H. Melbourne, The Effect of Turbulence Intensity on Stall of the NACA 0021
Aerofoil 14 th Australasian Fluid Mechanics conference, Australia 10-14 December 2001.
[8] Bhushan S Patil , Hitesh R thakare , Computational fluid Dynamics of wind turbine blade at various angle of
attack and different Reynolds number, Procedia Engineering volume -127 ( 2015 ) pp.1363 1369.
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IPASJ International Journal of Mechanical Engineering (IIJME)

Web Site: http://www.ipasj.org/IIJME/IIJME.htm

A Publisher for Research Motivation ........

Volume 4, Issue 8, August 2016