Parametric Optimization of the Selig (S1223-il) Airfoil for Enhanced Performance of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

This study investigates the optimization of the Selig (S1223-il) airfoil to improve the performance of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) using the QBlade software. The efficiency of wind turbines heavily relies on the design of their airfoils, as they play a critical role in capturing energy from the wind. Parametric optimization methods are employed to simultaneously reduce the thickness and camber of the airfoil. Specifically, the airfoil thickness is reduced from 12.14% to 8.5% at the maximum thickness position of 19.80%, while the camber is decreased from 8.87% to 8.46% at the maximum camber position of 49%. These optimizations result in improved aerodynamic performance of the airfoil. Simulation results demonstrate significant enhancements in the coefficients of lift (CL), drag (CD), moment (Cm), and lift-to-drag ratio (CL/CD) at an optimal angle of attack of 10o. The optimized airfoil exhibits CL and CL/CD ratios increased from 1.988 to 2.121 and 33.370 to 55.356, respectively, while CD and Cm are reduced from 0.063 to 0.038 and -0.226 to -0.244, respectively. Thereby, the coefficient of power (CP) is improved from 23% to 34% due to these optimizations. The findings of this study suggest that employing parametric optimization methods to enhance the Selig (S1223-il) airfoil represents an effective approach to improving the performance of VAWTs. This approach contributes to the promotion of wind energy utilization as a sustainable and environmentally friendly power source.