Development and Field Testing of an Inclined Flanged Compact Diffuser for a Micro Wind Turbine

Abstract

Micro wind turbines installed in various applications, experience average wind speed for most of the time during operations. Power produced by the wind turbine is proportional to the cubic power of the wind velocity and a small increase in wind velocity results increases power output significantly. The approach wind velocity can be increased by covering traditional wind turbine with a diffuser. Researchers are continuously working to develop a compact, lightweight, cost effective and feasible diffuser for wind turbines. The present work carried out to develop a diffuser with these stated objectives. A compact, lightweight inclined flanged diffuser developed for a micro wind turbine. Bare micro wind turbine and wind turbine covered with developed efficient inclined flanged diffuser tested in the field as per International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards and results presented in the form of power curves. The prediction of annual energy production for both wind turbines determined as per IEC standards.