ANALYSIS OF A VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE FOR WATER TREATMENT APPLICATIONS

摘要

This study details testing and analysis of a novel blade design of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). Specifically, the research focused on the capability to use a vertical axis wind turbine to produce sufficient working energy for implementation in water pumping and treatment in "off the grid" residences or small communities. A physical model was used to determine significant factors such as wind velocity, number of blades, deflection covers, and turbulence to produce the highest revolutions per minute. It was proven that a small scale VAWT design is adaptable to areas with wind speeds over 15 mph (24.14kph) with torque ranges of 0.06 pounds force. This study found that the optimal turbine design is four blades and a wind deflection panel for a practical system for optimizing wind capture. In the future a small- scale wind turbine could be used to pump and filter enough drinking water for a single residence using self- sustainable wind power with no greenhouse gas emissions for "off the grid" or rural applications.