2Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, First Technical University, Ibadan, 200261, Nigeria
3Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200001, Nigeria
Abstract
Standard horizontal-axis wind turbine blades are characterized by operational noise and low power output. Therefore, it is crucial to integrate mechanical components within the wind turbines to enhance their peak power output while simultaneously reducing their noise emissions. This article reviews enhancing optimum performance characteristics of horizontal axis wind turbine blades using various geometrical inbuilt Add-On mechanical devices of suitable aerodynamic properties. Evaluation of torque, thrust, and blades’ aerodynamic properties, which enhance efficiency, were investigated to understand the performance of aerodynamic add-ons on rotor blades. The current work showed that adding aerodynamic add-ons to wind turbine blades can improve the performance and efficiency of the blades, as well as increase the power output of the blades. This study also considered the performance and efficiency of blades in turbulence and high wind speeds. Various turbulence-inbuilt models of numerical fluid dynamics modules were investigated and analyzed to predict the motion surrounding the horizontal axis wind turbine. Numerical outputs showed that Add-Ons on horizontal wind turbine significantly enhances the efficiency and performance with expected reduced noise.