Development and validation of a CFD model using ANSYS CFX for aerodynamics simulation of Magnus wind rotor blades

Magnus wind turbine has become one of the emerging technologies that could harness wind power even if installed in urban areas. However, the technology has yet to reach widespread commercial use because of slow research and development. This is due to the lack of computer-based working model that could analyze and test easily all potential designs and derive which among them could significantly improve and optimize Magnus rotor blade designs. The methodology involved simulation of a parasolid model using ANSYS CFX to reproduce similar values of the reference experimental data. Inflation meshing strategies were introduced to enhance the boundary layer calculation of the model. Various turbulence models were also tested. Results showed that the first aspect ratio as the inflation layer meshing strategy and Eddy Viscosity Transport Equation turbulence model were the settings of the most favorable and well-validated working model.