Optimization of a four-bar mechanism cyclic pitch control for a vertical axis wind turbine

In this paper, the issue of pitch control in a vertical axis wind turbine was tackled. Programming the Actuator Cylinder model in MATLAB, a theoretical optimum pitch solution was found and then a classic four-bar mechanism was adapted to that theoretical solution to achieve a simple and elegant control of the pitch in the turbine. A simulation using the mechanism worked to find the optimum pitch cycles, where it was found that the mechanism would, in fact, increase the efficiency of the VAWT, by at least 11% and in the best case, over 35%. Another aspect that is studied is the possibility of self-start of the turbine by only changing the pitch on the blades. This analysis, however, proved that a further individual pitch control must be used to surpass the cogging torque. All analyses conducted were done for a specific wind turbine that is 2 m² in the swept area.