This study evaluates the performance of a counter-rotating dual rotor wind turbine (CR-DRWT) with 2 m2 rotor radius equipped with a double rotational armature in an open jet wind tunnel. With only one similar-sized design previously assessed in a wind tunnel, this study offers valuable validation material for the literature. Through wind tunnel testing, the CR-DRWT confirmed earlier findings in literature and achieved a 15% to 50% increase in power output and a 10% increase in efficiency (CP) compared to a single rotor configuration at higher wind speeds (> 7 m/s). Though these gains were not observed at lower wind speeds (4–7 m/s). The simplified mechanics of a double rotational armature show promise for SWTs, as financial viability depends on reducing LCOE through efficiency improvements that maximize energy capture. The design's maximum CP values were below those achieved in previous field tests at larger scale highlighting potential for improvement for smaller sized turbines. To further explore the aerodynamics of CR-DRWT's, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are recommended, as they could provide insights into optimizing flow dynamics around CR-DRWT's. Finally, the study emphasizes the need for precise pitch angle and rotational speed measurements to improve the value of future measurements.
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Particle image velocimetry has been widely used in various sectors from the automotive to aviation, research, and development, energy, medical, turbines, reactors, electronics, education, refrigeration for flow characterization and investigation. In this study, articles examined in open literature containing the particle image velocimetry techniques are reviewed in terms of components, lasers, cameras, lenses, tracers, computers, synchronizers, and seeders. The results of the evaluation are categorized and explained within the tables and figures. It is anticipated that this paper will be a starting point for researchers willing to study in this area and industrial companies willing to include PIV experimenting in their portfolios. In addition, the study shows in detail the advantages and disadvantages of past and current technologies, which technologies in existing PIV laboratories can be renewed, and which components are used in the PIV laboratories to be installed.
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Twirre is a new architecture for mini-UAV platforms designed for autonomous flight in both GPS-enabled and GPS-deprived applications. The architecture consists of low-cost hardware and software components. High-level control software enables autonomous operation. Exchanging or upgrading hardware components is straightforward and the architecture is an excellent starting point for building low-cost autonomous mini-UAVs for a variety of applications. Experiments with an implementation of the architecture are in development, and preliminary results demonstrate accurate indoor navigation
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