The study of interference effect for cascaded diffuser augmented wind turbines

The diffuser augmented wind turbine (DAWT) (or so called ducted wind turbine) was believed to have a good wind power energy conversion effect. By using a cascading arrangement the wind turbines could be installed closely, resulting in is an economy of land, space and money. However, few studies have been conducted on the influence of cascaded diffuser augmented wind turbines on the integral efficiency. The aim of this study, therefore, investigates the interference effect for cascaded diffuser augmented wind turbines. In this study two rated capacities of 200 W diffuser augmented wind turbines are adopted as experimental models and set up in the test section of the wind tunnel. The power outputs of the wind turbines are measured at various crosswind degrees with the different distances between the two yawing centers of the wind turbines. Results show that when the crosswind is less 45 degrees, the interference effect can be low and the power outputs have very little to do with the distance between the two yawing centers of the wind turbines. To conclude, this study may be of importance in explaining the interference between the two wind turbines, as well as in providing engineers with a better understanding of how to install cascaded wind turbines effectually.