Design of Small Scale Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Abstract

In this paper design of a small scale Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) which is having combined characteristics of Savonius and Darrieus wind turbines for is presented. Increasing demand for electrical energy in remote areas enabled the need for energy sources such as wind energy. Remote residential areas requires small amount of energy for their household applications such as lighting. To meet this requirement a low speed hybrid VAWT is designed. Different VAWT rotor designs commonly used for low speeds were analysed. The analyses lead to the requirement of a combined design which is having advantages of both Savonius and Darrieus models. At lower wind speeds, the Savonius model is self-starting and creates high torque. The Darrieus model is not self-starting, but has higher efficiency compared to the Savonius model. The combined design with advantages of these two model increases the power generation capacity at lower wind speeds.