Validation of a prediction model for control of micro wind turbines

A computational model is developed to guide the design and predict the performance of micro vertical axis wind turbines. A self-starting three-armed vertical axis wind turbine is modeled, with the capability to incorporate double blades, a guide vane, and drag tubes for self-starting and operation at low tip speed ratios. The performance of the model is validated against predictive models and data from the literature. The effects of Reynolds number variations are modeled and found to improve the fidelity of model predictions.