Evaluation of model precision and performance discrepancies in simulated vs. experimental testing of vertical axis wind turbines

Abstract

The increasing global demand for clean and renewable energy has driven significant advancements in wind turbine technology. This paper explores innovative approaches to harnessing wind energy, with a particular focus on the deployment of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) in urban environments and highways. By strategically positioning turbines along roadways, where wind generated by moving vehicles offers a reliable energy source, this study investigates the potential for integrating wind energy generation with existing infrastructure. The study compares the power generation of three VAWT designs—Giromill, Windside, and Helicoidal—through both physical prototypes and computational simulations. Utilizing 3D printing technology, scaled prototypes of each turbine were constructed and tested under controlled conditions in road separators to capture the wind generated by vehicular traffic. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software was used to simulate turbine performance under similar conditions. The primary objective is to evaluate the accuracy and error margin between physical tests and computational models, aiming to assess the feasibility of using CFD simulations as a predictive tool for real-world turbine performance. The results will contribute to bridging the knowledge gap in wind energy research, particularly in Colombia, by providing new insights into the comparative efficiency of experimental and simulated approaches. This work builds on previous studies related to wind turbine aerodynamics and 3D prototyping techniques, with a focus on urban wind energy harvesting solutions.