A Wheeled Vehicle Driven by a Savonius–Magnus Wind Turbine

Abstract

The mathematical model of a wind powered vehicle is constructed. The vehicle is located in a steady wind flow and consists of a wheeled platform carrying a horizontal axis Savonius–Magnus wind turbine. It is supposed that wheels of the platform move without slipping. Rotation of the turbine is caused by the Magnus force, which is produced by autorotating conical Savonius rotors (blades of the turbine). Rotation of the turbine is transmitted to rotation of leading wheels of the vehicle. The model of each conical Savonius rotor is represented by a pair of cylindrical rotors (a small one located closer to the turbine shaft and a large one located at greater distance from the turbine shaft). Quasi-steady model of aerodynamic load is used to describe interaction between Savonius rotors and the airflow. The steady speed of the body of the vehicle is estimated depending on parameters of the model. Two cases are discussed: up-wind and down-wind motion.