Small Scale Wind Turbines Optimized for Low （小型风力发电机优化低）.pdfVIP

Small Scale Wind Turbines Optimized for Low Wind Speeds T. Letcher, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Abstract A combination of common vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) rotors was designed and tested for optimal performance in low wind speeds. The Savonius rotor creates high torque and is self-starting even at low wind speeds, but is relatively low in efficiency rating. The Savonius rotor is used to start the straight bladed Darrieus rotor. The Darrieus rotor is not a self starting rotor, but has much higher efficiency than the Savonius rotor. The combination of rotors increases the total power of the turbine in lower wind speeds. 1. Introduction The goal of this project was to design a wind turbine specifically for low wind speed sites. The turbine was also to be designed for low cost using simple to manufacture parts. After careful consideration of the existing literature and other wind turbines that are commercially available, a hybrid combination of common vertical axis turbine rotors was chosen. The Savonius rotor is a self-starting, high torque at low speed rotor. It is used to jump start the Darrieus rotor, a non self-starting, but high efficiency rotor. A small model of the wind turbine was built and thoroughly tested in a wind tunnel at wind speeds of 5-13 mph. This combination proved to be an effective design that self-starts and produces more energy at low wind speeds than other options currently available. Since most of the country has low speed wind available, this turbine would be applicable in many places and there is a growing market for smaller, more compact wind turbine designs that are easy to maintain and are able to generate power in lower