Optimizing the aerodynamic performance of archimedes spiral wind turbines: A parametric study on blade angle and length at constant radius
Ahmed Essa Faisal, Chin Wai Lim, Balasem Abdulameer Jabbar Al-Quraishi, Jassinnee Milano, Tan Chung Hong
Abstract
This study explores the effect of variations in blade angle (α) and length at a fixed radius (r) on the aerodynamic performance of Archimedes Spiral Wind Turbines (ASWT), with the aim of enhancing their adaptability and efficiency in variable urban wind conditions. To identify the most effective blade design approach, two parametric methodologies were evaluated within the same dimensional range to maximize the power coefficient ( C P ), where (i) an unconstrained parametric study (FM), in which both blade angle and blade length (L) were allowed to vary simultaneously without geometric constraints, and (ii) a geometrically constrained parametric study (SM), in which blade length (L) was held constant while blade angle was adjusted. The results revealed that the SM approach outperformed the FM approach, with a 6.7% increase in C P over the reference model (0.22), demonstrating higher aerodynamic efficiency, greater flexibility in blade angle and length adjustment, and deeper insights into the effects of geometric parameters. Based on this methodology, 36 ASWT blade models were designed using SolidWorks 2020 and analyzed using 3D simulations conducted in ANSYS CFX-2020 R2. The power coefficient ( C P ), relative to the tip speed ratio (TSR), was employed as the performance metric to assess the performance of each model. The analysis identified SM-23 as the most efficient model, with an L of 140 mm and a blade angle of 80 0 . At a wind speed of 10 m/s, this model achieved a maximum C P of 0.265, representing a 14.67% improvement over the reference model. These findings highlight the potential of refined ASWT blade designs to enhance performance and support sustainable urban wind energy solutions.