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Research and Design on Wind Turbines

Joshua Pippin and Julie Wang Frostburg State University

Abstract

Since the need for alternate power sources is becoming more prevalent with each new day, a decision was made to work on the research and design for a laboratory-scale wind turbine as an undergraduate research project. As such, the main goal of the project was to create advancements in wind power technologies. The objective of this research was to design and build a wind turbine for experimental tests. Two different wind turbine blades are tested on the model of the wind turbine. These results will further research that can help develop less expensive and smaller turbines that can be used in homes and farms.

Introduction

The challenge for this research project was to understand the relationship of wind to its impact on turbine performance and reliability. This was done by designing and building a laboratory-scale model of a wind turbine. The wind turbine was tested in a 24” open circuit wind tunnel. Then the data was collected and analyzed to predict aerodynamic loads on turbines under varied inflow conditions and understand the specific behavior of small wind turbines. Based on the optimum parameters studies, the design of the turbine blades can be improved to increase energy capture.

The research has also taken a comprehensive look at what has already been accomplished in wind power technologies. The mathematical models that guide the principles of wind power will be investigated. The equation P = 0.5ρAv3, as an example, gives the possible wind power within a certain cross sectional area, and the velocity, a cubed variable, is especially important to the design of windmills. The research will also review the varied existing designs of windmills for their strengths and weaknesses. This comparison will find what designs are suited for what applications.

Background

There are two main classes of wind turbines: horizontal axis and vertical axis. The wind turbines seen in today’s wind farms with the rotating blades atop a tower are called horizontal axis wind turbines because their blades rotate about a horizontal axis. The other type of windmill, the vertical axis wind turbine, has blades or paddles that rotate around the axis of the tower that supports it. Often these windmills look like gigantic eggbeaters.

Vertical axis wind turbines

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Pippin, J., & Wang, J. (2008, June), Research And Design On Wind Turbines Paper presented at 2008 Annual Conference & Exposition, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 10.18260/1-2--3966