Helispin

Project report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/143RKNaRRqlIqInSTKRChyoWxftj9sazt/view?usp=sharing

Project logbook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-o72ljLdUFvin3rJiQAQ4L3jl_j0BraB/view?usp=sharing

Helispin (Aerodynamic Performance and Structural Engineering of Helicopter Seeds for Wind Turbines) is a silver-awared science fair (Canada Wide Science Fair) project which has been made since October 2020.

Inspiration

As many countries move towards the commitment of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, researchers have rekindled interest toward revolutionizing electricity through greener means. Currently, only 22% of the global energy sources come from renewable energy. Wind energy, being one of the most stable forms of renewable energy, exhibits adverse impacts on the environment. The traditional windmill's massive-scale structure hinders its ability to effectively collect energy from fluctuating wind patterns, produces noise pollution, and is incompatible with urban usage. In addition to its aerodynamic malfunctions, turbine rotor blades are fabricated from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites (CFRP) that are challenging to recycle.

Purpose

The study focuses on improving the rotor blade design of windmills so as to boost power generation. The aerodynamic performance of falling helicopter seed patterns was analyzed through CFD numerical analysis and visualizations. This was further developed into an innovative, small-scale, and eco-friendly wind turbine that is capable of generating energy not only from wind sources, but also from the momentum of vehicles on the highway. The project also proved the hypothesis -- If the lift coefficients were greater with a slight loss of thermal energy under laminar fluid flow conditions, then the turbine’s power efficiency will be boosted compared to a non-patterned simulation because of an increasing frequency of rotations.