A novel origami inspired single rotor horizontal axis wind turbine

Abstract

While several distinct vertical axis wind turbines with low power performance exist for integration in buildings, implementing micro horizontal axis wind turbines in buildings poses challenges due to their visual impacts, noise levels, and risks to flying birds. In this work, seven novel origami rotor designs featuring four internal tubular nozzle shapes and varying inlet/outlet aspect ratios are manufactured using 3D printing and tested in a subsonic wind tunnel under three scenarios: Without a micro-3-phase electric generator, with the generator but no load, and with both generator and a load, across wind speeds ranging from 3.5 m/s to 25 m/s. Results indicate that the designs with an aspect ratio below 3 perform well. Cut-in speeds of 3.5 m/s and 8 m/s are achieved with and without the electric generator, respectively. The rotation speeds range from 25 rpm to 3300 rpm. A maximum voltage of 27.6 V is recorded without load and the maximum power coefficient of 0.0168 is achieved at the tip speed ratio of 0.44 for a micro turbine with a 10 cm diameter. This research further elaborates on the characteristics of the different rotor designs, discusses their respective advantages and shortcomings, and outlines plans for future modification.

Keywords

• Bladeless
• Environment impact
• Horizontal axis
• Hubless
• Noise reduction
• Origami
• Single rotor
• Wind turbine.

Supporting Institution

Australian Univdersity - Kuwait

Ethical Statement

This document contains confidential intellectual property owned by Ahmad Sedaghat and Bassem Djedi, protected under Kuwait laws. Unauthorized manufacturing, use, reproduction, or disclosure is prohibited. For inquiries, contact Ahmad Sedaghat at [e-mail].

Thanks

We wish to acknowledge the support of all the staff at the Australian University (AU) of Kuwait. Their help and advice were highly appreciated. We wish to acknowledge Mr. Girish Kaimal Mohanan from the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory for processing all 3D prints. We are also grateful to Mr. Waqar Jan Zafar from the Electrical and Electronics laboratory for assisting in assembling rotors to the generator and helping with power measurements. We also gratefully wish to thank the engineers and technicians at the AU workshop, particularly Mr. Subramaniam Sundaram, Mr. Hamid Heidar Saadi, and Mr. Joshith Valiyaparambath, and other workshop members, for their help in manufacturing the mechanical stands for wind tunnel testing. Finally, we are indebted to Dr. Ehab Bani Hani for allowing us to use the 3D printer from the PBL (Project-Based Learning) center.

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