Design of small wind turbines to produce electricity for low wind speed in Thailand

Abstract

This work studied the design of small Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) S Shape and Leaf Shape which are appropriate for low wind speed in Thailand. The theory of Overlaps Ratio (β), End Plates and Blade Areas which effect to wind turbines operation were analysed. The turbines were tested in a wind tunnel and connected to permanent magnet generator under wind speed conditions close to the real wind speed. The starting up wind speed and Power Coefficient of Leaf Shape were 0.81 m/s and 0.011 and the starting up wind speed and Power Coefficient of S Shape were 0.63 m/s and 0.038, respectively. The results showed that the S-Shape performance was better than Leaf Shape. The results from this study can be applied for developing and improving the small turbine for the application at the low wind speed area in Thailand