This research presents an experimental analysis of the influence of atmospheric pressure plasma on the performance of a micro horizontal-axis wind turbine blade. The investigation was conducted using an NACA 4412 airfoil equipped with a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator. The electrodes were configured asymmetrically, with a 2 mm gap and copper electrodes that are 0.20 mm in thickness. A high voltage of 6 kV was applied, resulting in a current of 0.071 mA and a power output of 0.426 W. Optical emission spectroscopy identified the excited components through the interaction of the high-voltage AC electric field with air molecules: N2, N2+, O2+, and O. The electrohydrodynamic force mainly results from the observed charged ions that, when accelerated by the electric field, transfer momentum to neutral molecules via collisions, leading to the formation of the observed jet plasma. The findings indicated a notable enhancement in aerodynamic performance attributable to the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow generated by the plasma. The estimated electrohydrodynamic force (8.712×10−4 N) is capable of maintaining the flow attached to the airfoil surface, thereby augmenting flow circulation and, consequently, enhancing the lift force. According to blade element theory, the lift and drag coefficients directly influence the torque and mechanical power generated by the wind turbine rotor. Schlieren imaging was utilized to observe alterations in air density and flow patterns. Lissajous curve analysis was used to examine the electrical discharge behavior, showing that only 7.04% of the input power was converted into heat. This indicates that nearly all input electric energy was transformed into EHD force by the atmospheric pressure plasma. Compared to traditional aerodynamic control methods, DBD actuators are a feasible alternative for small wind turbines due to their lightweight design, absence of moving parts, ability to be surface-embedded without altering blade geometry, and capacity to generate active, dynamic flow control with reduced energy consumption.
Ricoy-Zárate et al. (Tue,) studied this question.