Design of a small wind turbine for electric power generation(1-5kW)

Abstract

This dissertation is the documentation of the design and development of a sustainable wind energy conversion system to be employed as a stand-alone electrical energy generator for isolated communities and dwellings. As our global population increases at an exponential rate and our consumerism grows with it, a sustainable source of energy needs to be developed to meet our power requirements. At this stage wind energy conversion systems (WECS) cannot produce power to the same scale as coal or gas fuelled power stations, but they do however offer the ability to operate as stand-alone power generation systems, reducing the need for long distance power transmission lines. Stand alone WECS are suitable electricity suppliers for isolated communities, island communities or applications where the cost of grid connection exceeds the installation and maintenance cost of a WECS. Small WECS can be configured to: - Feed into an existing grid - Supply charge to a battery bank - Directly power an appliance The prototype design incorporates: - 3 bladed aerofoil rotor - Adjustable blade pitch - Self governing speed regulation - Speed increase gear box - AC-induction generator – DC conversion circuit. - Steel tower The mechanical design was complimented by a functioning prototype of the Hub and rotor demonstrating the effectiveness of the power extraction mechanism. The turbine design was rated as having a power output capacity of 2 kW and is designed to be used in a shunt regulated battery charging circuit