Development of savonius and darrieus vertical axis hybrid wind turbine to increase effectiveness in wind energy conversion system

Abstract

This thesis presents the investigation of the potential of wind energy in Perlis and the development of Savonius and Darreius Vertical Axis Hybrid Wind Turbine for the low wind speed application (below 2 m/s). The objectives of this research are to investigate the potential of wind energy based on the weather data in Kangar, Perlis. Next, to study the characteristic of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) and Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) suitable for low wind speed condition. Lastly, to develop Savonius and Darrieus Vertical Axis hybrid Wind Turbine and analyze the performance of Hybrid turbine towards the efficiency wind energy conversion. Wind speed data were measured at Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy (CERE) station, University Malaysia Perlis located in Kangar, Perlis. The for wind speed and wind power density data was analyzed on a daily for 1 and half year, monthly and yearly basis. Wind speed in Malaysia is governed by the two monsoons that are north-east monsoon and south-east monsoon. During the south-east monsoon the average wind speed is less than 2 m/s while in north-east monsoon the average speed of the wind is around 2-5 m/s. In order to overcome these challenges, an appropriate wind turbine model is designed with specific attention given to its sensitivity to low wind speed application. As such as the matter, the Vertical Axis Hybrid Wind Turbine designed is opted to combine that of Savonius and Darrieus turbines. The test had been done by using a blower as the source of the wind for three designs of the turbine that are Savonius turbine, Darrieus turbine and Hybrid (Savonius and Darrieus) Turbine. The end results are encouraging as the Hybrid turbine shows to posses a good starting characteristic and its increase efficiency to 0.44% compared with a single design of VAWT. From the result of wind energy data in kangar Perlis and performance of the Hybrid turbine, it is believed that Kangar is not suitable for installation of wind turbine since it is located in a hilly area (wind obstruction). Installation in the coastal area or an open area may increase effectiveness of the Hybrid turbine for wind energy conversion.