Research Article
Novel Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Flow Control: Adaptive Flaps and Trailing-edge Splitter
Jianyu Wang,
Jian Chen*,
Yu Zhang,
Xinrong Su,
Chun Li,
Ying Wang
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-26
Received:
25 November 2025
Accepted:
15 December 2025
Published:
20 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijepe.20261501.11
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Abstract: Dynamic stall occurring the operation of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) have attracted great attention in the field of wind power due to their detrimental effects on aerodynamic performance. Extensive flow control strategies have been conducted to alleviate the adverse effects of dynamic stall on aerodynamic performance. This study proposed the active control of adaptive flaps and innovatively introduced a trailing-edge splitter plate as a control method to improve the aerodynamic performance of VAWT. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is conducted to investigate the influence of two flow control methods on the aerodynamic performance of a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 0015 airfoil and a VAWT. The findings indicate that the adaptive flap should be positioned at the trailing edge. An optimal deployment angle exists across various angles of attack (AOA), with the flap length of 0.15c determined as most effective for flow separation control at moderate Reynolds numbers. In pre-stall, the splitter plate achieves a maximum lift-drag ratio improvement of approximately 61.6% (l = 0.2c). Regarding the application effects of both flow control methods on the VAWT, the flaps can significantly reduce the vortex size near the blades and promote vortex shedding near the blades. At λ = 1.2-2.0, the flaps can improve the power coefficient factor of the VAWT by up to 42.5% (λ = 1.6).The splitter plate can increase the power coefficient of the VAWT by a maximum of about 29.4% (λ = 0.8) at low TSRs (λ = 0.4 to 1.2). At high TSRs (λ = 2.0 to 2.4), the splitter plate can increase the power coefficient by a maximum of about 25.8% (λ = 2.8).
Abstract: Dynamic stall occurring the operation of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) have attracted great attention in the field of wind power due to their detrimental effects on aerodynamic performance. Extensive flow control strategies have been conducted to alleviate the adverse effects of dynamic stall on aerodynamic performance. This study proposed the ...
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Research Article
Dynamic Optimization of Electricity Tariffs in Senegal: A Pyomo-Based Model for a Resilient Renewable Energy Mix Toward 2050
Dimitry Diassy,
Fatma Sow,
Mouhamadou Sam,
Jacques Joachim Faye,
Mamadou Lamine Samb*
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
27-36
Received:
27 November 2025
Accepted:
4 January 2026
Published:
20 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijepe.20261501.12
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Abstract: This study develops a Pyomo-based Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model to optimize electricity tariffs in Senegal, aiming to design a framework that is economically efficient, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable. The model integrates generation, storage, and dynamic pricing mechanisms into a unified optimization structure covering the period 2022–2050. Five tariff scenarios are simulated - Reference, Progressive, Feed-in Tariff, Static Hybrid, and Dynamic Hybrid -allowing a comparative assessment of their technical and financial performance. Results demonstrate that the Dynamic Hybrid scenario achieves the most favorable outcomes. By 2050, renewable energy reaches 80% of the total generation mix, while the average cost of electricity decreases by 18% (from 83.8 to 68.9 FCFA/kWh). Public subsidies fall dramatically, from 27.5%to 6.8% of sector revenues. Dynamic hourly pricing reduces peak demand by 12–15%, limits reliance on thermal generation, and improves system flexibility through expanded energy storage (10% of the mix by 2050). Moreover, the social lifeline tariff (65 FCFA/kWh for the first 50 kWh/month) remains fiscally sustainable, ensuring protection for low-income households. Overall, the study highlights that dynamic tariff optimization, enabled by open-source algorithmic tools such as Pyomo, can serve as a strategic instrument for predictive regulation and sustainable energy governance. Policy recommendations are proposed for institutional strengthening, data-driven tariff setting, and regional integration within ECOWAS, positioning Senegal as a potential model for resilient energy transition in West Africa.
Abstract: This study develops a Pyomo-based Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model to optimize electricity tariffs in Senegal, aiming to design a framework that is economically efficient, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable. The model integrates generation, storage, and dynamic pricing mechanisms into a unified optimization structure c...
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Research Article
Multi-Objective Optimization of the Combined Sizing and Placement of a PV System and an UPQC in an IEEE 69-Bus Distribution Network Using a Genetic Algorithm
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
37-44
Received:
15 November 2025
Accepted:
26 December 2025
Published:
20 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijepe.20261501.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This work proposes a combined integration approach for a photovoltaic (PV) system and a Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) in order to simultaneously improve the power quality and energy efficiency of distribution networks. The study aims to determine the optimal positioning and sizing of these two devices in the standard IEEE 69-bus radial distribution network, using multi-objective optimization. The goal is to minimize active and reactive power losses while improving the voltage profile of the network. The optimization problem is solved using Genetic Algorithms, combined with the Backward/Forward Sweep (BFS) power flow calculation method, which is particularly suited to radial networks. The results show that combined integration (PV + UPQC) offers significantly better performance than individual integrations. Active losses decrease from 224.93 kW to 48.45 kW (a reduction of 78.46%), while reactive losses decrease from 102.14 kVAr to 25.95 kVAr (a reduction of 74.60%). In addition, the minimum grid voltage is improved from 0.90919 p.u. to 0.96791 p.u. These results validate the effectiveness of the multi-objective approach using genetic algorithms for the optimal dimensioning and stabilization of distribution networks integrating renewable sources and active compensation devices.
Abstract: This work proposes a combined integration approach for a photovoltaic (PV) system and a Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) in order to simultaneously improve the power quality and energy efficiency of distribution networks. The study aims to determine the optimal positioning and sizing of these two devices in the standard IEEE 69-bus radial d...
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