OTC 21725--Savonius Rotor for Offshore Wind Energy Conversion

摘要

Analysis of performance is presented for wind energy conversion by a Savonius type vertical axis rotor configured for generation of electrical power. The technical approach capitalizes on the high torque property of a large Savonius rotor at rotation rates dictated by the ratio of the wind speed to the peripheral speed of the rotor vanes. This property enables generation of AC power by means of a multiplicity of generators positioned around the periphery of the rotor that are sized and have gear ratios matched to selectable ranges of wind speed. The system can produce electrical power over a range of wind speeds and capacities that are significantly beyond the practical and economical operating envelope achievable with horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT). A performance comparison is made with conventional HAWT rated at 1.5 megawatts. Potential performance is examined for systems with rated capacities in excess of 6 megawatts with the feature of increased capacity at higher wind speeds. Adaptation of this technology to offshore sites and the implications for costeffective performance in wind farms are discussed.