A Levitating Frictionless_Vertical Windmill

Abstract

To harness wind energy in low wind speed areas, a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is generally more suitable than a horizontal axis wind turbine. To improve the feasibility of using a VAWT, a magnetic levitation bearing concept, utilizing neodymium magnets, is used to make the bearing frictionless. A new experimental type of airfoil called EN0005 is used that boasts better self-starting ability than conventional airfoils. The design parameters of the wind turbine are explored and reviewed to create a final design that is modelled in SolidWorks. This final design is then put through simulations and analysis in ANSYS FLUENT before being fabricated as a prototype. This final prototype produces similar results to other findings and validates the report. The EN0005 blade profile appears to improve the self-starting capability of the wind turbine and improve viability of Darrieus turbines in lower wind speeds. These findings verify the benefits of using a magnetic frictionless bearing for wind turbines.