Optimum Design of a Savonius VAWT for Implementation in Urban Places having Low to Medium Wind Velocities

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Meghnad Saha Institute of Technology, Kolkata, India

^* Corresponding author: anirban.bose@msit.edu.in

Published online: 5 May 2025

Abstract

The deployment of horizontal-axis wind turbines is restricted to specific locations, as their functionality is contingent upon the presence of high-velocity wind conditions. The vibrations and acoustic emissions generated by these massive apparatuses are generally considered unpleasant. Furthermore, the operational expenses associated with these machines are considerably elevated. A significant drawback of this turbine design is the mortality rate of avian species resulting from inadvertent collisions with the rapidly rotating blades. This study presents a viable, albeit not entirely novel, proposition for the implementation of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT). While it is acknowledged that VAWT may not generate power at the same magnitude as their horizontal counterparts, their application has the potential to satisfactorily fulfill the energy requirements of the region. In urban settings where the installation of large turbines is impractical, VAWT can be readily employed, as they only necessitate low to moderate wind speeds. The operational costs are minimal, and the energy output is capable of meeting the demands of individual buildings or public lighting systems. Enhancements in performance have been examined, leading to the optimization of several design parameters. The ultimate objective is to develop an optimal VAWT design that surpasses the performance of earlier models and is suitable for use in urban environments where wind velocities fluctuate within the low to medium range.