Design of a Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine

Design of a Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine MUN VAWT DESIGN Group 11 Jonathan Clarke Luke Hancox Daniel MacKenzie Matthew Whelan

INTRODUCTION • For many remote communities, electrical power is provided by diesel generators • Wind power is a viable option to offset the cost of fuel • Our goal is to design a vertical-axis wind turbine specifically for operation in remote communities in Newfoundland and Labrador Image Credits: The Telegram

PROJECT GOALS • Work in conjunction with diesel generators • Simple design to reduce manufacturing costs and maintenance issues • Sized to provide required energy with the ability to be shipped to remote/isolated areas • Able to account for variable wind conditions in the target area • Design will focus on aerodynamic and structural analysis

BENEFITS OF A VERTICAL AXIS DESIGN • Heavy drivetrain components are located at the base • Easier to maintain • They operate from winds in any direction • No yaw system required • Generate less noise than horizontal-axis turbines • The characteristics of VAWT designs make them favourable for offshore environments

WEATHER DATA • Hourly wind speed data in the target area was collected from Environment Canada • Period from September 2012 to September 2013 • Average wind speed is around 18 km/h, or 5 m/s • Records of maximum wind gust intensity and duration were also available • Maximum gust speed was 120 km/h, or 34 m/s

SAMPLE WIND DATA

VAWT SIZING • Average power consumption in Newfoundland and Labrador homes in January is 3.8kW (according to Statistics Canada) • 100kW will provide enough energy for ~25 homes • Turbine parts should be able to be shipped via aircraft or boat • Nameplate capacity of a turbine is usually the maximum it will generate • Different wind conditions lead to different generation rates

STATE-OF-THE-ART • VAWT Types • Airfoils • NACA 0018 • DU 06-W-200

STATE-OF-THE-ART • Number of Blades • Solidity • Measurement of blade area over rotor area • Concentrator

VAWT CONFIGURATIONS • Two main configurations: Savonius and Darrieus • Savonius is drag driven • High torque, low speed • Darrieus is lift driven • High speed, high efficiency

DARRIUS CONFIGURATIONS Source: A Retrospective of VAWT technology (2012), H. Sutherland et. al

PRELIMINARY DESIGN • Based on preliminary research, the general configuration of the turbine design was selected Source: Determination of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Configuration through CFD Simulations P. Sabaeifard et. al

PRELIMINARY DESIGN • A “H-Darrieus” configuration combines the high efficiency of a Darrieus turbine with the simplicity of the “H” configuration • A 3-bladed design increases rotor stability, eliminates symmetrical loading and reduces torque ripple in the drive train • Based on research findings, a DU 06-W-200 airfoil and a solidity of 0.35 should be selected

NEXT STEPS • First phase of the project is complete • Preliminary research and concept selection • Second phase will be from February 7th to March 7th • Preliminary aerodynamic modelling and structural design • Selection of generator and ancillary components • Third phase will be from March 7th to April 4th • Detailed aerodynamic modelling and final design of structure • Economic analysis • Prototype construction if time permits • Final deliverable will be a detailed aerodynamic model

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Design of a Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine