Urban Power Generation with Vertical Axis Wind Turbines
This project was funded through a Champions of the Environment grant through SC DHEC- we thank them for their generous support of student-directed energy research
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) can be used in more dense regions due to their smaller footprint, where traditional wind turbines are not feasible. By converting mechanical wind energy into electrical energy, a VAWT can be applied for any remote power needs that would otherwise require energy from the grid. The use of VAWTs immediately reduce fossil fuel use for one load, and can potentially be applied to multiple purposes, each of which can reduce the user’s carbon footprint and mitigate air pollution resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels.
At the beginning of this project, students explored traditional wind turbines and optimized tip speed ratio for many variables, discovering through project-based learning the optimal conditions for horizontal axis wind turbines. Students were then introduced to vertical axis wind turbines, and the innovative use of transverse winds along railways and streets in Europe and Asia to provide a clean energy source for more densely-populated areas. Students researched VAWT designs and selected three to build and test, measuring ambient and transverse winds with anemometers, and power output based on their testing methodologies. Students presented their results at the district robotics convention in April 2023, and to various visitors from the community.