Analyzing dynamic stall on tubercle mounted VAWT blades: A simplistic experimental approach using an oscillating rig

Leading-edge tubercles, inspired by the flippers of humpback whales, are widely adopted passive flow control devices to enhance the aerodynamic performance of various lifting surfaces. This experimental study investigates the implementation of sinusoidal and triangular tubercles on H-type Vertical Axis Wind Turbine blades to analyze their effects on dynamic stall characteristics. Experimental tests were conducted using a specially designed oscillating rig to replicate blade motion at different reduced frequencies. The results reveal that tubercle blades exhibit a lower stall angle and maximum normal force compared to the baseline configuration. Moreover, the dynamic stall characteristics of tubercle blades are notably smoother, leading to reduced hysteresis losses. A variation in the tubercle amplitude-wavelength ratio further decreases hysteresis, albeit at the cost of reduced normal force generation. At the highest tested reduced frequency of 0.065, tubercles reduce hysteresis by up to 38%. Despite the reduction in normal force, tubercles effectively mitigate the effects of dynamic stall vortices, resulting in smoother stall behavior. The observed reduction in hysteresis can contribute to enhancing the turbine’s lifespan and increasing power production efficiency. This experimental approach provides a cost-effective alternative to more expensive methods for studying dynamic stall characteristics. •Dynamic stalling in VAWTs lowers turbine efficiency and lifespan.•Leading-edge tubercles help reduce dynamic stall hysteresis on blades.•A cost-effective method for experimentally analyzing dynamic stall was implemented.•Up to 38% reduction in hysteresis observed with tubercles at high reduced frequency.•Triangular tubercles outperformed sinusoidal ones, with fewer fluctuations.