Influence of Varying the Stage Aspect Ratio on the Performance of Multi-Stage Savonius Wind Rotors

Although using a multi-stage rotor of Savonius vertical-axis wind turbine enhances the self-starting ability, it reduces the power coefficient. To improve power coefficient, the influence of varying the stage aspect ratio is investigated. Therefore, two-, three-, and four-stage Savonius rotors at stage aspect ratios ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 with increments of 0.25 are considered. To determine performance parameters such as coefficients of torque, power, and thrust, a comprehensive three-dimensional unsteady incompressible turbulent flow model using Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations along with a k–ω shear stress transport turbulence model is developed. The developed numerical model is validated utilizing the available experimental results. Moreover, a novel assessment technique relying on flow field characteristics such as pressure distribution in conjunction with streamlines around the proposed multi-stage Savonius rotor with various stage aspect ratios is carried out. The contribution of each stage on the performance of the whole rotor is computed and presented. The findings of the current study illustrate that utilizing a multi-stage rotor with stage aspect ratio equal to or greater than 1.0 significantly enhances the output power. By rising the stage aspect ratio within the range of 0.5–1.5, the peak coefficient of power boosts from 0.163 to 0.213 for a two-stage rotor and from 0.183 to 0.23 for a four-stage rotor. In addition, three-stage rotors with stage aspect ratio ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 show increased average static coefficient of torque from 0.196 to 0.272 with positive values at whole rotation angles. This improves the self-starting abilities of the multi-stage rotor and makes it suitable in areas where the wind is intermittent and very low. Furthermore, raising the stage aspect ratio from 0.5 to 1.5 significantly mitigates the oscillations of both torque and thrust coefficients throughout the entire cycle for all multi-stages. This lowers the mechanical vibrations and noise emission during operation conditions. Accordingly, multi-stage Savonius rotors with stage aspect ratio equal to or greater than 1.0 are highly recommended for practical applications.