Vawt

that should be considered when using a Savonius design are that they are most
effective at lower speeds rather than high speeds and they can operate in
turbulent winds.
The turbine performance testing and results from the research in this project
showed that the split Savonius is the best design that has been tested to this point at
WPI. The reason is due to the large surface area of the split Savonius which
enables it to capture maximum amounts of wind. We believe that further research
should be done with various Savonius designs because of this fact. The Savonius
turbine designs are simple and cheap to manufacture, and are also not greatly
affected by turbulence in the wind. The design we feel that has particular promise
is a Savonius in a Savonius design that is shown in figure 5.1. This design is an
improved version of the split Savonius that we utilized. This design increases
the surface area to capture wind energy.
3.Methodology
The goal of this project was to design a vertical axis wind turbine
(VAWT) that could generate power under relatively low wind velocities. To
accomplish this goal, the objectives were to (1) analyze how different
geometry of the wind turbines within various enclosures affect wind
turbine power output (2) test how the vibrations caused from the rotations
of the wind turbine affect the structural integrity of various aspects housing
structures, and (3) compare the operation of VAWTs that are directly placed in
the wind with VAWTs that placed within an enclosure.
To meet these objectives, the tasks were to:
-Complete background research on wind turbine data
-Design turbine blade designs for testing
- Design model roof structure
-Create experimental set up
-Manufacture parts and build model house
-Develop future design recommendations

3.1 Background Research
Background research included reviewing a previous project, Enclosed

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines, by Julie Eagle, which provided a
foundation for the current project. Using that information, we then
studied new areas in order to complete our research.
3.1.2 Old Projects
Analyzing previous research allowed us to determine that the use of a

funneled shroud allowed the vertical axis wind turbine had higher
potential to generate more energy than a vertical axis wind turbine
without a shroud. The tests also demonstrated that airfoil designs
potentially do not perform as well as flat bladed designs perform in the
enclosure.
The reports indicate that flat bladed designs perform poorly in non-
enclosed situations but they have increased performance in enclosures. The
report test results state that the flat bladed designs enclosed in 90° shroud
perform better than airfoil designs in the 90° enclosure and they also
outperform the airfoil design without a shroud.
3.1.3 Additional Research
Research started with basic aerodynamic principles and different blade designs that
have potential to work effectively in an enclosure. Research showed that
aerodynamically efficient blades have great potential to work for a vertical axis
wind turbine. (Ponta, Otero, 2007) In addition a split Savonius design, which is
shown in figure 3.1, is able to operate at peak efficiency with turbulent wind,
which meets one of the criteria for roof mounted turbines.
6.0 Applications
The Windspire, a small VAWT intended for individual (home or office) use was
developed in the early 2000s by US company Mariah Power. The company
reported that several units had been installed across the US by June 2008.
Arborwind, an Ann-Arbor (Michigan, US) based company, produces a patented

small VAWT which has been installed at several US locations as of 2013.
In 2011, Sandia National Laboratories wind-energy researchers began a five-year

study of applying VAWT design technology to offshore wind farms. The
researchers stated: "The economics of offshore windpower are different from
land-based turbines, due to installation and operational challenges. VAWTs offer
three big advantages that could reduce the cost of wind energy: a lower turbine
center of gravity; reduced machine complexity; and better scalability to very large
sizes. A lower center of gravity means improved stability afloat and lower
gravitational fatigue loads. Additionally, the drivetrain on a VAWT is at or near the
surface, potentially making maintenance easier and less time-consuming. Fewer
parts, lower fatigue loads and simpler maintenance all lead to reduced
maintenance costs."
A 24-unit VAWT demonstration plot was installed in southern California in the

early 2010s by Caltech aeronautical professor John Dabiri. His design was
incorporated in a 10-unit generating farm installed in 2013 in the Alaskan village of
Igiugig.
Dulas, Anglesey received permission in March 2014 to install a prototype VAWT

on the breakwater at Port Talbot waterside. The turbine is a new design, supplied by
Wales-based C-FEC (Swansea), and will be operated for a two-year trial.This
VAWT incorporates a wind shield which blocks the wind from the advancing
blades, and thus requires a wind-direction sensor and a positioning mechanism, as
opposed to the "egg-beater" types of VAWTs discussed above.
4 Navitas (Blackpool) have been operating two prototype VAWTs since June 2013,
powered by a Siemens Power Train, they are due to enter the market in January
2015, with a free technology share to interested parties. 4 Navitas are now in the
process of scaling their prototype to 1 MW, (working with PERA Technology) and
then floating the turbine on an offshore pontoon. This will reduce the cost of
offshore wind energy.[citation needed]
The Dynasphere, is Michael Reynolds' (known for his Earthship house designs) 4th
generation vertical axis windmill. These windmills have two 1.5 KW generators
and can produce electricity at very low speeds.
6.0 Conclusion
Experimental setup was designed, analyzed, fabricated, assembled and
successfully tested. Problems occurring can be eradicated by
1. Proper connections in the stator.
2. Reducing weight of the setup.
3. Proper amount of resin used in the stator
4. Proper gauge selection of copper wire.

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that should be considered when using a Savonius design are that they are most

-Complete background research on wind turbine data

-Design turbine blade designs for testing

- Design model roof structure

-Create experimental set up

-Manufacture parts and build model house

-Develop future design recommendations

Background research included reviewing a previous project, Enclosed

3.1.2 Old Projects

Analyzing previous research allowed us to determine that the use of a

Arborwind, an Ann-Arbor (Michigan, US) based company, produces a patented

In 2011, Sandia National Laboratories wind-energy researchers began a five-year

A 24-unit VAWT demonstration plot was installed in southern California in the

Dulas, Anglesey received permission in March 2014 to install a prototype VAWT

1. Proper connections in the stator.

2. Reducing weight of the setup.

3. Proper amount of resin used in the stator

4. Proper gauge selection of copper wire.

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