Design and Optimization of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Abstract

Wind power is a clean and renewable energy, and more and more countries in the world attach great importance to it and promote the development of the wind power industry. The current situation of wind turbines at home and abroad, the development, types, and characteristics were analyzed. The structural design of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) and aerodynamic theory of rotor blade were briefly introduced, the characteristic parameters in VAWT design were presented in this paper. Using finite element analysis method, the spindle which is the crucial component of VAWT under the extreme wind load was analyzed, and the corresponding results were obtained. Finally the wall thickness and the structure of spindle were improved and optimized to satisfy the engineering requirements of spindle.