Design of a small scale wind turbine prototype

Abstract

The main goal of this project is to design a domestic wind turbine that generates 1KW of electric power in order to cover the shut down time of electricity in Lebanon. Arrangements for designing the wind turbine were conducted; a detailed research was done regarding the types, functions, advantages, disadvantages and area of application of each type of wind turbines. After that, among different types of wind turbines, experiments were done on the vertical axis wind turbine. The two main prototypes that have been tested were the Savonius and the Darrieus turbines. After successive testing the Darrieus, has failed to give the power needed. During the next steps, the 3 blades and the 5blades Savonius turbine were tested. The experiments went through different stages in which the 5 blades turbine was selected due to its better performance. Later on, a stress analysis using the finite element was done to choose the best and most secure structure with the appropriate material, mainly aluminum and steel, which could resist the stresses in severe weather cases.