Vertical Wind Turbine @ 2m/s - 4.4m/s Wind Speed

[mechamz]

Hi,

I'm doing some research on vertical wind turbine, the vertical wind turbine have to able generate approximately 50W.

Unfortunately, it have to run under wind speed at 2m/s to 4.4m/s.

Is this possible for a vertical wind turbine?

What are the factors should I consider? gear ratio, wind blade, alternator?

anyone can help

thanks

[wellery]

Hello.

Perhaps this is what you are looking for.

http://www.windside.com/index.html

Wellery.

[Dr Robert]

I am working on a VAWT that will capture low energy, but I am not at a point that I can just plug in the wind velocities you suggest and give a a ready answer.

When working with low energy wind, it critically impacts the overall design of a VAWT, of course.

The bearings must be extremely free.  Any friction at all will be too much.

Most bearings have a standard grease lubrication which must be flushed out and then the bearing should be  refilled with a very light low temperature lubricant.

Then build a means to concentrate the wind that is there to make the best use of it. If you can vary the placement, put it alongside a building in a favorable wind direction, for instance.    The power produced is proportional to the cube of the wind speed.

Using an axial flow alternator will be much better than other generator systems in light air.   Using more poles means that you are making the alternator think that is is running faster.    I am using an 8 pole 7 phase system on some of my prototypes.

Robert

[finnsawyer]

One way to concentrate the air flow is to use a large central cylinder.  When the air flow encounters a cylinder (even a tree) it speeds up, doubling in speed near the cylinder.  There is a mathematical solution that provides the particulars.  You might look it up.  A doubling of speed means 8 times the power flow along the cylinder.  It drops off with distance from the cylinder, but still could be useful.

[mechamz]

I think I'm going to purchase a permanent alternator at http://energistar.com

it called "Futurenergy Permanent Magnet Generators"

what do you think about it? and should I use spur gear directly or a timing belt instead?

thanks