On the enhancement of Savonius Bach-type rotor performance by studying the optimum stator configuration

The purpose of the present study is to enhance significantly the Savonius Bach-type rotor performance. This was achieved by adding a new stator around it. The stator is composed of three parts: shield, obstacle, and guide plate. A comprehensive parametric study was performed in which eight geometrical parameters for the stator were varied. One factor at a time method was utilized to find the stator optimum shape that achieves the maximum rotor power coefficient value. A 2D numerical model was employed using ANSYS Fluent 18.1. The dominant parameters that affect the aerodynamic performance of the turbine were demonstrated. According to the examined conditions, the results revealed that the maximum power coefficient for the rotor with optimum stator configuration achieved a value of 6 times greater than that of the bare rotor. It was concluded from this parametric study that the main effective element in the turbine stator is the stator obstacle. This study may be an important issue for further enhancement of the Savonius turbine's performance. •A new stator is introduced to enhance the performance of a Savonius Bach-type rotor.•Eight geometrical parameters are investigated using a 2D numerical model.•Rotor with optimum stator configuration achieves higher maximum Cp compared to bare rotor.•The turbine achieves high performance with a wide operating range.•Savonius Bach-type rotor is a promising issue for further investigations.