An Investigation of a Novel Design of Savonius Wind Turbine Along Highway and for Small-scale Power Generation Applications

Abstract

Wind energy is a clean and sustainable energy source and has been playing a crucial role in reducing the energy crisis in recent decades, therefore bringing down our reliance on fossil fuel-based energy sources. Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have been found to be more suitable for small scale power generation applications and at the same time provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative to generate electrical energy even at low wind speeds. The kinetic energy of the wind is converted in to mechanical energy which is further converted in to electrical energy by a dynamo. The power developed is stored in battery bank and then can be used to power street lights, traffic signals, toll plazas and charging e-vehicles. It can also cater to the energy demand of nearby areas and cut down on the use of energy produced by burning fossil fuels. In this research work a novel drag-based VAWT rotor design has been conceptualized, developed and tested. By virtue of the proposed novel rotor design, the developed wind turbine model has been shown to achieve performance gains in terms of increased output and correspondingly increased efficiency. The economic viability and the robustness of the model further render the design particularly suitable for implementing on the sites like highways.