Design Simulation and Experiment on the Performance of Small Scale Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Systems

Abstract

This paper presents an integrated static and dynamic model to predict the performance of small horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) using theories of the blade element momentum theory (BEMT) Fleming’s right-hand rule and the relation of torque output A theoretical study on the performance of a HAWT is presented This research aims to establish a reliable assessment platform for the small HAWT upon which the design and dynamic analysis for its turbine blades and axial-flux permanent magnet (AFPM) generator can be expediently carried out The predicted results were verified by experiments undertaken in a wind tunnel as well as in outdoor environment By adopting the model without involving any time-consuming computer simulations various performance curves were obtained for different designs Graphical user interface (GUI) software and simulink in MATLAB implementing the proposed model has been developed to facilitate the performance assessment of the complete HAWT system As a powerful and expedient tool the development process enables engineers to effortlessly make appropriate designs for a wind turbine system and to quickly correct any design changes when necessary Another research is to design a mechanism of passive pitch control to acquire stable power at high wind speed for small HAWT The mechanism uses a disk-pulley as an actuator to control the blade pitch-angle such that the rotating speed may remain stable by centrifugal force yet without electric power From the principal of aerodynamics the rotations of wind turbines may slow down at high wind speeds due to the change of blade pitch-angle As a marking advantage this does not need brakes to avoid electrical burns-out and structural failure at high wind speeds It can ensure the blades and generator to operate safely under most environments In this paper the analysis uses BEMT to develop graphical user interface software to facilitate the performance assessment of the complete passive pitch control (PPC) of small HAWT For verifications the PPC of small HAWT was tested in a full-scale wind tunnel for its aerodynamic performance At low wind speeds this system was tested to perform the same as the traditional one yet at high wind speeds this PPC system can effectively reduce the rotation speed to output stable power

Date of Award	2016 Aug 31
Original language	English
Supervisor	Yui-Chuin Shiah (Supervisor)