Problem Statement
The depletion of petroleum based fuels has greatly increased the need for alternative energy sources. Wind power is a renewable and low level pollution energy source making it an attractive solution. This years Wind Turbine Senior Design Team is committed to the design and construction of a small wind turbine.
Project Summary
Alternative energy sources are becoming a necessary consideration for environmental conservation. Wind powered turbines are an attractive renewable energy source in that environmental impact is minimal and wind is an inexhaustible energy source. The goal for this year’s project is to build upon the foundation created by the previous wind turbine teams, utilize their previous designs, and improve the overall characteristics of the design.
This study will simulate actual turbine blade loads applied to a generator in order to collect data for analysis of power generation limits of a turbine. Modeling this system will require obtaining a generator, building a dynamometer, and using Matlab code to simulate real world wind conditions on a blade design.
The current blade design is set to work with a 7.5kW generator. For ease of simulation a scaled down model will be prototyped and analytical data will be adjusted to full scale. Both AC and DC generators have been considered and it was determined that DC current will simplify the design; hence it is a better choice. When using a variable power source such as wind, speed control is an important issue to address. The turbine blades will be simulated using a program that was created by Mike Hommel from the previous years design team. This code, which operates in the Matlab environment, was designed to accurately simulate the function of the turbine blades and then to produce a torque-speed curve. The torque-speed curve is necessary to simulate the turbine function using a dynamometer. As part of the design project, a dynamometer, which is a device that will simulate the loads on the turbine, must be constructed. Currently, the parts and assistance required for the construction of the dynamometer will be provided by Dr. Mark Minor of the University of Utah department of Mechanical Engineering.
Rotational speed is the main determining factor in power output and turbine productivity. A study of input irregularities such as wind gusts, high wind speed and no wind speed weather conditions must be factored into the design. Braking mechanisms, grid powered motors and turbine blade designs are also necessary components of speed control. The data collected using this analysis will lead to an optimal torque-speed relation that will produce maximum efficiency. Speed specifications will determine the gear ratio required for the hub generator drive shaft. Upon completion of this study, a finalized design will be integrated into a nacelle and field tested.
Team Picture
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Team Members, Left to Right
Proposal
- :WindTurbineProposal.doc