ANALYSIS OF AERODYNAMICS OF AN ASYMMETRIC DARRIEUS WIND TURBINE WITH THREE-BLADES

R. Manatbayev; N. Kalassov; Zh. Seydulla; M. Isataev; Zh. Baizhuma; A. Kuykabayeva; K. Rasul

doi:10.31489/2026N2/35-46

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31489/2026N2/35-46

Keywords:

Vertical-axis wind turbine, Darrieus rotor, asymmetric airfoil, aerodynamic performance, torque coefficient, tip speed ratio

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive numerical investigation of the aerodynamic performance of a three-bladed vertical-axis Darrieus wind turbine equipped with asymmetric airfoil blades, with the primary aim of evaluating the influence of blade geometry on torque generation and overall aerodynamic efficiency. The study focuses on a detailed analysis of rotor flow behavior, including the spatial distributions of velocity and pressure fields, the formation and evolution of flow separation zones, and the development of a turbulent wake structure downstream of the rotor over a wide range of operating conditions. Numerical simulations were carried out using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations coupled with the k–ω SST turbulence model, which provides reliable prediction of near-wall flow behavior, adverse pressure gradients, and unsteady aerodynamic effects typical for vertical-axis wind turbines. The obtained results demonstrate that the asymmetric blade profiles interact more effectively with the incoming airflow at moderate tip speed ratio values, leading to improved torque characteristics and a noticeable reduction in negative torque regions. In particular, the maximum average torque coefficient was observed at tip speed ratio values close to 2.5, where the aerodynamic performance of the rotor reached its optimum due to balanced lift and drag forces acting on the blades. At higher tip speed ratio values, despite the stabilization of the flow structure and reduction of large-scale vortical formations, a decrease in aerodynamic efficiency was identified, and the findings of this study provide a scientific basis for optimizing blade geometry and selecting efficient operating regimes in the design of Darrieus-type vertical-axis wind turbines with asymmetric airfoils.

References

1 Li, C., Zhu, S., Xu, Y.L., Xiao, Y. (2013). 2.5D large eddy simulation of vertical axis wind turbine in consideration of high angle of attack flow, Renew. Energy, 51, 317–330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2012.09.011 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2012.09.011

2 Shukla, V., Kaviti, A. (2017). Performance evaluation of profile modifications on straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbine by energy and Spalart Allmaras models. Energy, 126, 766-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.03.071 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.03.071

3 Murata, J., Endo, M., Maeda, T. (2016). Experimental and numerical investigation of the effect of turbulent inflow on a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (part I: power performance). Energy, 113, 713–722. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.06.138 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.06.138

4 Hameed, M., Afaq, S.K. (2013). Design and analysis of a straight bladed vertical axis wind turbine blade using analytical and numerical techniques. Ocean Eng, 57, 248–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2012.09.007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2012.09.007

5 Liu, J., Lin, H., Zhang, J. (2019). Review on the technical perspectives and commercial viability of vertical axis wind turbines. Ocean Eng., 15, 608–626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2019.04.086 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2019.04.086

6 Islam, M., Ting, D.K., Fartaj, A. (2008). Aerodynamic models for Darrieus-type straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbines. Renew Sustain Energy Rev, 12(4), 87–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2006.10.023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2006.10.023

7 Gupta, A., Abderrahmane, H., Janajreh, I. (2024). Flow analysis and sensitivity study of vertical-axis wind turbine under variable pitching. Appl Energy, 358, 122648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.122648 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.122648

8 McKenna, R., Leye, P., Fichtner, W. (2016). Key challenges and prospects for large wind turbines. Renew Sustain Energy Rev, 53, 1212–1221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.09.080 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.09.080

9 Jin, X., Zhao, G., Gao, K. (2015). Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine: basic research methods. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 21(4(41)), 212-225 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.10.021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.10.021

10 Rakesh, K., Kaamran, R., Alan, S. (2018). A critical review of vertical axis wind turbines for urban applications, Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., 14(8(89), 281–291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.033 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.033

11 Sebastian, B., Rosario L., Michele, M. (2014). Design of a vertical-axis wind turbine: how the aspect ratio affects the turbine’s performance. Int. J. Energy Environ. Eng., 11(4(37), 333–340. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40095-014-0129-x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40095-014-0129-x

12 Wang, Q., Chen, J., Pang, X., Li, S., Guo, X. (2013). A new direct design method for the medium thickness wind turbine airfoil. Journal of Fluids and Structures, 19(3(37), 287–301. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfluidstructs.2013.08.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfluidstructs.2013.08.003

13 Mazarbhuiya, H., Biswas, A., Sharma, K. (2020). Low wind speed aerodynamics of asymmetric blade H-darrieus wind turbine-its desired blade pitch for performance improvement in the built environment, Braz. Soc. Mech. Sci. Eng., 42, 326, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40430-020-02408-0. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40430-020-02408-0

14 Mohamed, M.H. (2012). Performance investigation of H-rotor Darrieus turbine with new airfoil shapes. Energy 47 (1), 522–530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. energy.2012.08.044. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2012.08.044

15 Baizhuma, Z., Kalassov, N., Manatbayev, R., Isataev, M., Seydulla. Z., Georgiev, A. (2026). Time- resolved CFD analysis of torque generation in an L-shaped vertical-axis wind turbine. Energy, 344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2026.140149

16 Tanasheva, N., Sakipova, S., Minkov, L., Bakhtybekova, A., Shuyushbaeva, N., & Burkov, M. (2021). Study of aerodynamic characteristics of a cylindrical blade with deflector. Eurasian phys. tech. j., 18(3(37), 48–52. https://doi.org/10.31489/2021No3/48-52 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31489/2021No3/48-52

17 Tleubergenova, A., Dyusembayeva, A., Tanasheva, N., Bakhtybekova, A., Kutumova, Z., & Mukhamedrakhim, A. (2024). Experimental studies of the performance efficiency of a wind turbine with combined blades. Eurasian phys. tech. j., 21(2(48), 31–37. https://doi.org/10.31489/2024No2/31-37 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31489/2024No2/31-37

18 Shaimerdenova, K., Tleubergenova, A., Tanasheva, N., Dyusembaeva, A., Minkov, L., & Bakhtybekova, A. (2025). Aerodynamic improvement of a two-blade magnus wind turbine: numerical and experimental analysis of aerodynamics and pressure distribution. Eurasian phys. tech. j., 22(2 (52)), 79–87. https://doi.org/10.31489/2025N2/79-87. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31489/2025N2/79-87

19 Kalassov, N., Baizhuma, Z., Manatbayev, R., Yershina, A., Isataev, M., Kalassova, A., Seidulla, Z., Bektibay, B., Amir, B. (2025). Integrated approach to aerodynamic optimization of darrieus wind turbine based on the taguchi method and computational fluid dynamics. Applied Sciences, 15(10), 5739. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105739 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105739

20 Isataev, M., Manatbayev, R., Seydulla, Z., Bektibai, B., & Kalassov, N. (2024). Study of aerodynamic characteristics of asymmetrical blades and a wind-driven power plant with a vertical axis of rotation. Applied Sciences, 14(24), 11654. https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411654 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411654

21 Seydulla, Z., Kalassov, N., Isataev, M., Baizhuma, Z., Baizhumanov, K., Kuykabayeva, A., Gabitova, Z., & Satkynova, A. (2026). Performance enhancement of darrieus vawt using modified asymmetric blades: experimental and cfd validation. Energies, 19(3), 743. https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030743 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030743

22 Isataev, M., Manatbayev, R., Seydulla, Z., Kalassov, N., Yershina, A., & Baizhuma, Z. (2025). Experimental and computational study of the aerodynamic characteristics of a darrieus rotor with asymmetrical blades to increase turbine efficiency under low wind velocity conditions. Applied System Innovation, 8(2), 49. https://doi.org/10.3390/asi8020049 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/asi8020049

23 Baizhuma, Z., Kalassov, N., Isataev, M., Gabitova, Z., Baizhumanov, K., Kuykabaeva, A., Seydulla, Z., Auyezkhan, N. (2026). Investigation of the aerodynamic characteristics in twin-rotor carousel wind turbines. Energy, 351, 140833, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2026.140833 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2026.140833

24 Baizhuma, Z., Kalassov, N., Manatbayev, R.K., Isataev, M., Seydulla, Z., Georgiev, A. (2026). Time-resolved CFD analysis of torque generation in an L-shaped vertical-axis wind turbine. Energy, 344, 140149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2026.140149 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2026.140149

Kjellin, J., Bülow, F., Eriksson, S., Deglaire, P., Leijon, M., Bernhoff, H. (2011). Power coefficient measurement on a 12 kW straight bladed vertical axis wind turbine. Renew Energy, 36, 11, 3050–3053. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2011.03.031 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2011.03.031

ANALYSIS OF AERODYNAMICS OF AN ASYMMETRIC DARRIEUS WIND TURBINE WITH THREE-BLADES