Author(s)

Peter E. Jenkins, Abdalfadel Younis

Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Colorado, Denver, USA.

This paper describes a flow simulation model used to determine the effects of a shroud on the performance of a wind turbine. Also, it focuses on comparing the standard type of wind turbines— upwind turbine with three blades fixed on a horizontal axis—with a new type that is called a shrouded wind turbine. In addition, the two types of turbines are compared in terms of velocities profiles, pressure distribution and power output when applying four different velocities of winds: 10, 20, 30, 40 mph. Numerical values and graphs are highlighted in order to show the main differences between the shrouded turbine and the conventional one. Finally, a conclusion and some recommendations are provided to summarize the scope of this research and give a better prediction for a future optimal design of the shrouded turbines.

Wind Turbine, Flow Simulation, Shroud

Jenkins, P. and Younis, A. (2016) Flow Simulation to Determine the Effects of Shrouds on the Performance of Wind Turbines. Journal of Power and Energy Engineering, 4, 79-93. doi: 10.4236/jpee.2016.48008.