Functional Model of Savonius Type Vertical Axis Wind Turbine with Periodic Coupling of Adjacent Vertical Blades

Abstract

The field of HAWT (Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines) regarding the use of wind energy (WE) as a renewable energy source (RES) is well researched and the results are covering both the power range and efficiency. Deficiencies observed during high wind speeds affect the investment costs. Savonius is a VAWT (Vertical Axis Wind Turbine) used for low wind speed, with low costs and low efficiency. The study proposes a conceptual model of Savonius type of VAWT (SWT) meant to increase the efficiency by reducing the resistance of the returning blade. SWT conceptual models were studied and analyzed and then a MC was elaborated and a MF and MM have been developed. An ME was made based on the MC and MF, which was used in wind tunnel experiments. The starting torque, the power factor, the efficiency, the speed and the output voltage of the generator were investigated. The results confirm the viability of the model and its resources to increase efficiency.

Keywords

• wind energy
• VAWT
• Savonius
• coupled blades