CFD-Based Performance Analysis of Modified Archimedes Wind Turbine Blades

This study evaluates the aerodynamic performance of a modified Archimedes Spiral Wind Turbine (ASWT) using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). A baseline model was compared with different designs, including surface dimples and a trailing-edge flap. Simulations were carried out in SolidWorks Flow Simulation 2025 under a constant inlet velocity of 12 m/s and rotational speeds ranging from 50 to 500 RPM. The performance of the modified ASWTs was evaluated using key parameters, including the power coefficient (Cp), torque, and tip speed ratio (TSR). The obtained results follow the expected Cp−TSR behavior, with a peak of Cp=0.24277 for the smooth blades and Cp=0.2565 for the blades with the flap at TSR=1.63625. While the addition of dimples along the surface of the blades resulted in reduced Cp values, the trailing-edge flap consistently improved performance, yielding increased Cp values in comparison to the baseline configuration. Overall, the flap modification highlighted higher aerodynamic efficiency, recognizing it as the most successful improvement among all the tested configurations. These findings shed light on the relevance of geometry-specific optimization in improving ASWT productivity for small-scale wind energy applications.