Preliminary studies on an innovative vertical axis wind turbine concept : SATVAWT

Abstract

Vertical axis wind turbine concepts are particularly attractive for the urban environment for various reasons including adaptability to varying wind directions. On the other hand, these types of turbines suffer from various disadvantages including prohibitive costs. In this paper, we present an innovative concept of a Self Adjusting Lift Type Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (SATVAWT) being developed by the a consortium of local academia and industry. Although the project is still in its infancy some insight of the design is presented, particularly the aerodynamic and structural aspects of the blades which are being optimised for highest possible efficiency. Some results from numerical analysis tools are also presented. To provide easy start up, the turbine blades are at first retracted. Due to the accelerating motion, momentum is conserved by means of an increase in the polar moment of inertia about the axis of rotation. This causes the turbine blades to flex. In this position, advanced aerodynamic calculations using vortex methods have shown that the turbine should operate at a higher efficiency for the rated condition. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools have also been used to assess the structural feasibility of the turbine. The preliminary results presented here are encouraging and will form the basis for further computational and experimental analysis.