Jarrett Johnson

ET 494 – Senior Design II

Advisor: Dr. Junkun Ma

Instructor: Cris Kutsougeras

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Simulation

Objectives

• Design vertical axis wind turbine and determine how blade will rotate

• Specify dimensions for 1020 airfoil to be used in the design

• Build geometry in Comsol

• Calculate pressure distribution of wind across airfoil

• Calculate pressure distribution of wind across airfoil with wind blowing at different positions/angles

• Simulate design and record data to optimize efficiency of the system

2-D Simulation In Comsol (Top View)

3-D Simulation in Comsol

Semester Timeline

October 16 – Have dimensions set and 2-D geometry completed in Comsol

October 17-22 – Test model, analyze results to finalize design and begin working on 3-D model

November 5 – Complete 3-D design and have a working model to begin testing and simulation

November 19 – compile results, analyze and make corrections to design to minimize stress on each airfoil, while maximizing power generation

Thanksgiving Break – finalize design and begin testing for final results

December 1-5 – Finish simulation; finish report, final presentation