Additive Manufacturing of a Gorlov Helical Type Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Abstract

In this work, a Gorlov helical type Vertical Axis Wind turbine (VAWT) model is designed and manufactured by using one of the additive manufacturing techniques called Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) through a 3D Printer. The VAWT was made by interpretation of the wind conditions and by selecting of the suitable Airfoil profile for the blades of the turbine based on the DMS analysis (Q-Blade is an open source software which is particularly used in designing of wind turbine blades). The CAD modelling is done on SOLIDWORKS 2017 and later converted in to a Stereolithography (STL) format file which is compatible with the 3D Printing software called CURA by Ultimaker. All the parts were manufactured on the 3D Printer and assembled together and coupled with the suitable generator for the generation of Power. This VAWT is more suitable for urban areas and can generate more power even at the lower wind speeds unlike the Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT) which require open lands for their efficient working.