Design and Development of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Abstract

Wind energy is the kinetic energy associated with movement of large masses of air. These motions result from uneven heating of atmosphere by sun creating temperature, density, pressure differences. It is an indirect form of solar energy The device used to convert kinetic energy of wind into electrical power is called a wind turbine. Vertical Axis wind power generators, represent a very promising future for wind power generation. In present study an attempt is made to utilize at low velocity wind below 4m/s for useful power generation using magnetic levitation for vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) termed as Maglev turbine. A single large Maglev turbine can give output more than conventional horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT). The rotor that is designed to harness enough air to rotate the shaft at low and high wind speeds while keeping the centre of mass closer to the base of yielding stability due to Maglev effect. The efficiency of turbine is increased by replacing the conventional bearings by magnets in repulsion; the magnetic levitation helps the turbine to spin at much faster rate as it eliminates the stresses on the shaft of turbine. The major components are placed at the ground level which ensures the safety of turbine.