Design of a Vertical-Axis Wind TurbineMUN VAWT DESIGN

Group 11Jonathan ClarkeLuke HancoxDaniel MacKenzieMatthew 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

Season Year Winter Spring Summer FallAverage Speed (m/s) 5.24 5.89 4.79 4.31 5.98Median Speed (m/s) 4.17 5.28 4.17 3.61 5.28

Maximum Speed (m/s) 27.22 27.22 20.56 17.50 24.17

WIND SPEED STATISTICS

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 SimulationsP. Sabaeifard et. al

Criteria Optimal Choice AlternativesConfiguration H-Rotor Darrieus Full Darrieus, V-Rotor Darrieus, Savonius# of Blades 3 2 to 5Airfoil DU 06-W-200 NACA-Series AirfoilsSolidity 0.35 0.15 to 0.5

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

MUN VAWT DESIGNENGI 8926 Mechanical Design Project II

QUESTIONS?

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