Design and Fabrication of a Savonius Wind Turbine for a Design Wind Speed

The project deals with the design and fabrication of a Savonius vertical axis wind turbine for the design wind speed and power. The Savonius wind turbines are an excellent choice because of their simple design, ability to start rotating at low wind speeds i.e. good starting torque, and capability to operate effectively from any wind flow direction. The basic mathematical calculations using the available analytical expressions are performed to predict the aerodynamic force on the turbine blade, the blades’ rpm and the power generated from the turbine at the design wind speed.

A CAD model based on the performed calculations is developed, and a finite element analysis is performed to estimate the stresses as well as deflections of the blades. The modal analyses are performed to predict the natural frequencies as well as mode shapes with cross-supports on the blades. The static CFD analyses are performed with different turbulence intensities emulating real life wind scenarios, simulating wind turbine performance in terms of the aerodynamic force, rpm of the wind turbine rotor as well as the generated power. All the simulations and analyses are performed, ensuring are reliable and robust design. The final stage comprises of fabrication, experimentation, and testing that sheds light on the actual performance of the Savonius vertical axis wind turbine.