Wind energy is indeed a vital component for renewable energy strategies in many countries, significantly reducing any harzardous impact to environment. This study seeks to enhance the efficiency of small wind turbines through innovative design modifications based on Bernoulli's principle. We develop "wind power density compressors," structural attachments designed to increase wind speed and air density at the turbine blades—the two primary factors influencing wind turbine energy output. Three models for horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) and four for vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) with varying size ratios are designed and evaluated using Solidworks Flow Simulations. The results demonstrate substantial increases in wind velocity at the turbine blades, with HAWT Model 3 achieving approximately a 70% increase and VAWT Model 4 achieving around an 18% increase. Significant increases in air density at the propeller region are also observed. Calculations using the wind power density formula indicate potential energy generation enhancements up to fivefold for HAWTs and 1.7 times for VAWTs. By comparing the performance from conventional models, we identify key factors that enhance the efficiency of wind power density compressors. With these novel structures, a wide range of wind turbines can achieve significantly higher performance, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.
Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Efficiency Through Attaching a Novel Structure
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Student Abstract Submission