Enhancement of Savonius wind rotor aerodynamic performance: a computational study of new blade shapes and curtain systems

The Savonius wind turbine appears to be particularly promising for low power applications, such as those in urban areas, and it can take advantage of a simple, reliable and cost-effective construction. Anyway, the Savonius wind turbine suffers from poor performance, when compared with other wind turbines having a major overall complexity and higher costs. For this reason, several studies have been carried-out in recent years in order to improve its energy performance.