Vertical Axis Aerodynamically Optimized Wind Turbine

The drag-based rotation, of the Savonius turbines, restricts them from rotating faster than the wind speeds. The torque by the wind pressure on the area exposed on the side where the wind is supposed to hit the turbine to rotate it, is opposed by nearly the same amount of area on the other side

Project Title

Vertical Axis Aerodynamically Optimized Wind Turbine

Project Area of Specialization

Mechanical Engineering

Project Summary

The drag-based rotation, of the Savonius turbines, restricts them from rotating faster than the wind speeds. The torque by the wind pressure on the area exposed on the side where the wind is supposed to hit the turbine to rotate it, is opposed by nearly the same amount of area on the other side, drastically reducing the efficiency in Savonius type of wind turbines even further.

While in Darrieus type wind turbines the turbine rotates through the lift generated by the airfoil design of the rotors. Even in Darrieus type, the rotors do not provide torque throughout the revolution.

We plan to combine the benefits of both mentioned types of turbines. One expected deign is an aerodynamically optimized airfoil shaped design along with the concave indent at the back. The area subjected to drag will be an airfoil design, which will reduce the drag. The airfoil design will also generate lift, breaking the constraint of not achieving faster than wind speeds.

Combined with the said expected design, will be the mechanism which will change the orientation of the blades as a function of the current wind speed to limit the rotational speed in heavy winds, making the design even more safer and operational during the harsh winds.

Our experimentation with the designs will not be limited to the said design. The essential goal is to increase the efficiency of vertical axis wind turbines through experimenting with different designs.

Project Objectives

The project has one primary objective and one secondary objective.

1. The main objective is to increase the efficiency of vertical axis wind turbines by combining the benefits of two of the main types of turbine designs, Darrieus type and Savonius type, while reducing the individual drawbacks of each of the types. The benefit from the Savonius type is that Savonius type turbines do not need initial startup through external means like in Darrieus type. And the benefit from the Darrius type is that the turbine will have the capability of spinning faster than wind speeds due to the generation of lift provided by the airfoil design.
2. The secondary objective is to design a mechanism, which can turn the rotors effectively opening and closing the turbine depending on the speed of the wind, to restrict the maximum rotating speed of the turbine. In this way the turbine will be safer in harsh winds and will remain operational.

Project Implementation Method

Selection and Modelling of a 3D design

Initially multiple concepts will be generated for the conversion of 2-dimensional airfoil design into a 3-dimensional shape. Soon after; the team will dive into the mathematics of making them possible as 3-dimensional geometries. For 3-dimensional modelling the following software may be used:

• Fusion 360,
• Inventor Professional,
• SolidWorks.

If mathematical integration would be required with the modelling software, python will be used.

Simulation

Before spending our physical resource, 3d printing filament, simulation will be done. The software that will be used will more likely be SolidWorks or Autodesk CFD.

3D Printing

A smaller version will be made for testing the efficiency of the design. 3D printing filament will be selected among the available options online while considering our needs set by the modelling phase of the 3d design and by also the limitations or requirements of the 3d printer.

Physical Testing

The printed and assembled designs will then go through testing in controlled environments for their efficiency.

Repeating the Cycle If Needed

As we will be testing multiple designs, the learning curve will inspire newer insights as to how to increase the efficiency of the design further and make it optimal. Which will initiate this cycle again.

Benefits of the Project

• Improved efficiency of the vertical axis wind turbines.
• Innovation in the field of wind power generation.
• Cost-effective power generation.
• Controlled power generation even in harsh winds.
• Safer and sustainable design.
• Will provide a practical alternative to renewable power generation after increased efficiency.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Final deliverables of the project are as follows:

• A working prototype of a vertical axis wind turbine whose blades will be optimized aerodynamically. It will consist of the beneficial characteristics of both of the basic types of turbines, the Savonius type, and the Derrieus type.
• The wind turbine will not require any external power to start the rotation because it will have the characteristics of the Savonious type drag-based rotation.
• A maximum speed restriction mechanism for controlled power generation of renewable energy during harsh winds.

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Core Industry

Energy

Other Industries

Manufacturing , Others

Core Technology

3D/4D Printing

Other Technologies

Others

Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com