Computational Modeling of a Passive-Pitch Low-Wind Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine

This paper presents a three-dimensional numerical study of a novel vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) with a unique aerodynamic profile and a passive blade-pitch mechanism. Rectangular blades are mounted on horizontal axes through articulated bearings and rotate freely up to 90∘, constrained by a pin-and-belt system: on the power stroke the blades hit a stopper to capture maximum energy, while on the return stroke they open to reduce drag, enabling efficient operation at low wind speeds (3–5 m/s) with stable torque. After a grid-independence study, the aerodynamics were analyzed in COMSOL Multiphysics by solving the RANS equations. Four turbulence models (SST, ????−????, ????−????, RNG) were compared; the SST model best captured flow separation and wake structures. Power-coefficient (????????) versus tip-speed-ratio (TSR) curves were obtained and validated against laboratory data (relative error < 5%).

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