Design realization and field testing of a vertical-axis wind turbine

Abstract

The purpose of this invertigation is to set up an experimental system for the field testing of the performance characteristics and practical serviceability of a vertical axis wind turbine. Based on previous research work, a Savonius Wind turbine prototype was manufactured in the ideal dimensions. With the caupling of the necessary apparatus, it was tested on the roof of the engineering building of the campus under natural conditions. According to the experimental results, 1/ The efficiency of the prototype is much higher than the models tesced in a wind tunnel. It varies between 34-53%, and does not fall below 34% of the power in the wind in relatively lower and higher speeds. 2/ The efficiency reaches its peak value of 53% as the outer rim of the turbine reaches a velocity equal to that of the wind. At high wind speeds, the rotational velocity of the rotor rim is about twice the wind speed. 3/ In a region of similar wind regime as the testing region, a 1m2 area turbine when reinforced with the necessary flywheel system and control circuitry, is found powerful enough to charge a car battery continuously. 4/ For two regions of annual averages 10-15 mph any size prototype turbine of the same diameter as that tested is found to have a generating capacity of about 95 kw-hr / YEAR-m2 and 220 kw-hr / YEAR-m2 for constant torque operation.