Embedded Files
Project Overview
Project Overview
The objective of this project was to create a digital model of a wind turbine tower that could minimize deflection as well as harness adequate wind power. Originally, the tower would be printed out in ABS material to be tested physically, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, we simply tested our model virtually on SolidWorks.
The objective of this project was to create a digital model of a wind turbine tower that could minimize deflection as well as harness adequate wind power. Originally, the tower would be printed out in ABS material to be tested physically, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, we simply tested our model virtually on SolidWorks.
Design Constraints:
Design Constraints:
- Our tower needed to be feasibility 3D printed with ABS.
- The total volume to print the tower (including support) must not be greater than 18 cubic inches.
- Our modeled needed to be 16 in +/- 1/16 in height from the bottom of the tower to the center of the motor shaft.
- Our design of the upper platform for the motor needed to include a 3/16 inch hole for an eyebolt (for physical testing).
- Our blade lengths (measured from the center of the hub to the tip of the blade) must not exceed 3 inches.
- Our tower must be radially symmetrical with respect to the center of the lower support platform with a minimum of 3 contact points.
Blade Design
Blade Design
Number of Blades:
Number of Blades:
In our research, we found that an even number of blades caused a wobbling effect and further stability issues (Wind Energy Technology). One blade would definitely be unbalanced, but 5 blades and further on would leave little space between the blades and cause further inefficienies as it could interrupt airflow. In addition, the figure on the left supports our hypothesis that a HAWT (Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine) with three blades is the most efficient choice.
In our research, we found that an even number of blades caused a wobbling effect and further stability issues (Wind Energy Technology). One blade would definitely be unbalanced, but 5 blades and further on would leave little space between the blades and cause further inefficienies as it could interrupt airflow. In addition, the figure on the left supports our hypothesis that a HAWT (Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine) with three blades is the most efficient choice.
Figure by Annie-Claude Bayeul-Lainé
Blade Angle of Attack:
Blade Angle of Attack:
Furthermore, we had to consider the optimal angle of attack, which is the angle between the direction of the relative wind and the chord line of our propeller. The angle of attack can also be calculated as the angle between the relative wind vector and the tip speed. In addition, the Tip-Speed Ratio (TSR), is the ratio of the tip-speed to the free-stream wind velocity. Using this information, we researched and found that a TSR of approximately 8 is best for power efficiency, and then proceeded to solve for our angle of attack.
Furthermore, we had to consider the optimal angle of attack, which is the angle between the direction of the relative wind and the chord line of our propeller. The angle of attack can also be calculated as the angle between the relative wind vector and the tip speed. In addition, the Tip-Speed Ratio (TSR), is the ratio of the tip-speed to the free-stream wind velocity. Using this information, we researched and found that a TSR of approximately 8 is best for power efficiency, and then proceeded to solve for our angle of attack.
Figures are from the University of Hawaii
Blade Profile:
Blade Profile:
As our team did not know much about blade profile design, we used a website named AirfoilTools and found different designs along with their specifications. We then choose an airfoil with enough lift and also light enough for our turbine tower.
As our team did not know much about blade profile design, we used a website named AirfoilTools and found different designs along with their specifications. We then choose an airfoil with enough lift and also light enough for our turbine tower.
Tower Design
Tower Design
Our team members each created their own tower designs, keeping in mind the design constraints listed above. In the end, we ran a SolidWorks Simulation deflection tests on each tower and choose the one with the least deflection. Our team ended up using my tower design for this project.
Our team members each created their own tower designs, keeping in mind the design constraints listed above. In the end, we ran a SolidWorks Simulation deflection tests on each tower and choose the one with the least deflection. Our team ended up using my tower design for this project.
Tower Tests and Data
Tower Tests and Data
Build Volume
Test with 5 lb load
Displacement, Stress, and Safety Factor for the last data point (2000 grams)
Displacement, Stress, and Safety Factor for the last data point (2000 grams)
Stress
Displacement
Factor of Safety
Drawings
Drawings
Exploded View
Tower Drawing
Rotor Model
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