Research Project Details

Design, Testing and Analysis of an Enhanced Vertical Axis Wind Turbine for Low Wind Speed Application

Project ID: WUB/2022/P1/002

Project Duration: 2022 - 2023

Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman (Department of Mechatronics Engineering)

Project Members: Enamul Hoq

Low wind speeds, severe turbulence, and high directional variables are very problematic and decrease the efficiency of horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). But research on vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) has led to designs that can produce more energy and work in these tough conditions. The VAWT has the advantage of being able to work in a variety of environments, but it is less efficient than the HAWT. The idea of a wind turbine with a larger vertical axis is being looked into as a way to make the most of the wind energy potential in different vertical and horizontal directions when the wind speed is low. In the new configuration of the upgraded VAWT, two specially designed blades are joined at the top and bottom hubs to make one long blade that looks like a Moebius strip. Two components of the blade—flat and twisted blades—are joined together in each of the unique blade designs so that they have a continuous shape. With this design, the torque made by the blades can be spread out evenly along them. This reduces differences and improves the performance of the turbine. A twisted blade is held up by the part of the blades that is flat on the ground. This part of the blades also interacts with any vertical wind that comes from above. Additionally, because of the horizontal blades, the turbine's ability to start on its own under low wind circumstances can be improved. while the blade's twisted portion engages the incoming horizontal wind. The design philosophy of the turbine is very important if you want to increase its swept area and use as much wind energy as possible. With the new VAWT, wind energy devices can do more. This is especially true in cities and tropical areas where wind speeds are low.