On the need for the development of low wind speed turbine generator system

Abstract

The study focused on the need for the development of a low cut-in wind speed turbine system with a view to challenge for concerted efforts towards improvement in design in such a way that favours operation at wind speeds as low as 1.5 to 2.0 m/s. It reviewed some existing reports on rotor designs with major focus on improved blade design for enhanced turbine performance and structural integrity. It found that despite the advances in turbine blade designs, there is the need to further the design to include those that can drive generators not just for small wind turbine applications but also for operation under lower cut-in speeds (less than 2.0 m/s). It further demonstrated the need to have improvement in wind turbine generator design that eliminates/reduce lubrication parts and possibly employ electro-magneto-mechanical principles for operation.