Small Scale Wind Turbines Optimized for Low Wind Speeds

Engineering: 1st Place (The Ohio State University Edward F. Hayes Graduate Research Forum)A combination of common vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) rotors was designed and tested for optimal performance in low wind speeds. The Savonius rotor creates high torque and is self-starting even at low wind speeds, but is relatively low in efficiency rating. The Savonius rotor is used to start the straight bladed Darrieus rotor. The Darrieus rotor is not a self starting rotor, but has much higher efficiency than the Savonius rotor. The combination of rotors increases the total power of the turbine in lower wind speeds.A one-year embargo was granted for this item