Optimization of the Rotating Cylinder

Project: National Science and Technology CouncilNational Science and Technology Council Academic Grants

Project Details

Abstract

The advantages of the wind turbines (WTs) that utilize Magnus effect over the bladed WTs are (1) Under low (< 6 m/s) and unsteady wind speed, Magnus WTs can continuously output power such that their range of operation is from 2 to 40 m/s instead of 5 to 25 m/s for ordinary WTs; (2) The rotor speed of Magnus WTs being 2 to 3 times lower than that of ordinary WTs ensures their ecological and operational safety. (3) The aerodynamic self-regulation of wind-wheel rotation prevent from its excessive spin-up and destruction due to centrifugal forces. In particular, at wind speed higher than 35 m/s, the self-regulation results in diminution of the Magnus force with the self-braking. However, in order to take the most advantage of Magnus WT, reducing the drag to lift ratio is crucial. In this project, we will modify the surface condition of the rotating cylinder to increase the lift force. Although the drag force may also be enhanced, if the degree of enhancement is less than that of the lift force, the drag to lift ratio may be reduced. The modifications of the cylinder are in three types: (1) helical ribs, (2) blunt tail, and (3) dimples. Each type of the modification has its own set of design parameters. In order to reduce the number of experiments, Taguchi method is adopted and used to find the optimal parameter set. If the accuracy of the optimal parameter set is desired, we can use the experimental results to construct an artificial neural network (ANN). Finally, the DIRECT searching method is used in cooperate with the ANN to search for the accurate parameter set that minimize the drag to lift ratio.

Project IDs

Project ID:PB10507-1874
External Project ID:MOST105-2221-E182-058
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date01/08/1631/07/17

Keywords

  • Magnus Wind Turbines
  • Drag to Lift Ratio
  • Taguchi Method
  • Artificial Neural Network

Fingerprint

Explore the research topics touched on by this project. These labels are generated based on the underlying awards/grants. Together they form a unique fingerprint.