The use of renewable energy is promoted worldwide to be less dependent on fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Therefore research in the field is driven to increase efficiency of renewable energy systems. This study aimed to develop a wind turbine for low wind speeds in South Africa. Although there is a greater tendency to use solar panels because of the local weather conditions, there are some practical implications that have put the use of solar panels in certain areas to an end. The biggest problem is panel theft. Also, in some parts of the country the weather is more suitable to apply wind turbines. Thus, this study focused on the design of a new concept to improve wind turbines to be appropriate for the low wind speeds in South Africa. The concept involves the implementation of a concentrator and diffuser to a wind turbine, to increase the power coefficient. Although the wind turbine was not tested for starting speeds, the implementation of the shroud should contribute to improved starting of the wind turbine at lower wind speeds. The configuration were not manufactured, but simulated with the use of a program to obtain the power production of the wind turbine over a range of wind speeds. These values were compared to measured results of a open wind turbine developed for South Africa. The most important matter at hand when dealing with a shrouded wind turbine is to determine if the overall diameter or the blade diameter of the turbine should be the point of reference. As the wind turbine is situated in a shroud that has a larger diameter than the turbine blades, some researchers believe that the overall diameter should be used to calculate the efficiency. Theory was revised to determine the available energy in the shroud after initial calculations showed that the power coefficients should have been higher than the open wind turbine with the same total diameter. A new equation was derived to predict the available energy in a shroud. The benefits of shrouded wind turbines are fully discussed in the dissertation content. / MSc (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The use of renewable energy is promoted worldwide to be less dependent on fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Therefore research in the field is driven to increase efficiency of renewable energy systems. This study aimed to develop a wind turbine for low wind speeds in South Africa. Although there is a greater tendency to use solar panels because of the local weather conditions, there are some practical implications that have put the use of solar panels in certain areas to an end. The biggest problem is panel theft. Also, in some parts of the country the weather is more suitable to apply wind turbines. Thus, this study focused on the design of a new concept to improve wind turbines to be appropriate for the low wind speeds in South Africa. The concept involves the implementation of a concentrator and diffuser to a wind turbine, to increase the power coefficient. Although the wind turbine was not tested for starting speeds, the implementation of the shroud should contribute to improved starting of the wind turbine at lower wind speeds. The configuration were not manufactured, but simulated with the use of a program to obtain the power production of the wind turbine over a range of wind speeds. These values were compared to measured results of a open wind turbine developed for South Africa. The most important matter at hand when dealing with a shrouded wind turbine is to determine if the overall diameter or the blade diameter of the turbine should be the point of reference. As the wind turbine is situated in a shroud that has a larger diameter than the turbine blades, some researchers believe that the overall diameter should be used to calculate the efficiency. Theory was revised to determine the available energy in the shroud after initial calculations showed that the power coefficients should have been higher than the open wind turbine with the same total diameter. A new equation was derived to predict the available energy in a shroud. The benefits of shrouded wind turbines are fully discussed in the dissertation content. / MSc (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Small wind turbine installations have a variety of potential uses, each with unique performance demands and operating conditions. Many applications require that the turbine is placed in wind conditions that are not ideal for optimum operation. Better predictive techniques can improve wind turbine performance through improved control strategies and enhanced designs. Conventional methods of wind power design and control utilize an average power coefficient. In this thesis, various techniques to predict the transient power coefficient of a wind turbine are developed. The operation of a Savonius wind turbine is accurately represented, with a new model which considers the flow distributions to predict the changes in power output at all rotor positions. Another model is developed that represents the dynamics of a small horizontal wind turbine, including the effect of transient wind conditions on rotor speed and acceleration. These can supplement current methods to determine turbine placement, selection and categorization.

This disquisition aims for the study of turbulence intensity influence over the power performance of different sizes of turbines with the intent to validate a hypothesis. The hypothesis formulated for the analysis is the relationship between the rotor diameter (turbine size) and turbulence intensity. The hypothetical relationship is that the smaller turbines tend to experience more influence on the power performance from the turbulence in comparison with larger ones. For this examination, three different wind turbines of models Vestas V90, V100, V126 were chosen from three Swedish wind farms. The power performance of turbines at various levels of turbulence intensity were analyzed and the power deviation from the mean value due to influence of turbulence were assessed. The power deviation values of different turbines were compared at same level of wind speeds and also the power coefficients at same level of tip speed ratios were compared to validate the hypothesis. It was observed that the hypothesis seemed to appear true as higher influence on power curves were observed on V90 compared to others. Nevertheless, there were some obscene results which might be due to several factors such as influence of variation in hub height, site and inadequacy of data. / Detta examensarbete syftar till att studera hur ett vindkraftverks storlek påverkar inflytande från turbulens på effektuttaget. Hypotesen är att vindkraftverk med mindre rotordiameter påverkas mer av turbulens än de större. Tre vindkraftverksmodeller (Vestas V90, V100 och V126) från svenska vindkraftsparker valdes ut. De olika modellernas effektuttag för olika grader av turbulens analyserades och avvikelsen från effektmedelvärdet jämfördes. Effektavvikelserna samt verkningsgradsavvikelsen  för de olika vindkraftverksmodellerna jämfördes vid samma vindhastighet respektive löptal för att kunna testa hypotesen. Hypotesen styrks då den mista modellen (Vestas V90) påverkas mest av turbulens. Resultatet har dock troligtvis påverkats av andra faktorer såsom tornhöjd, terräng och en begränsad mängd data.

The wind power research at the division of Electricity at Uppsala University is aimed towards increased understanding of vertical axis wind turbines. The considered type of wind turbine is an H-rotor with a directly driven synchronous generator operating at variable speed. The experimental work presented in this thesis comprises investigation of three vertical axis wind turbines of different design and size. The electrical, control and measurement systems for the first 12 kW wind turbine have been designed and implemented. The second was a 10 kW wind turbine adapted to a telecom application. Both the 12 kW and the 10 kW were operated against dump loads. The third turbine was a 200 kW grid-connected wind turbine, where control and measurement systems have been implemented. Experimental results have shown that an all-electric control, substituting mechanical systems such as blade-pitch, is possible for this type of turbine. By controlling the rectified generator voltage, the rotational speed of the turbine is also controlled. An electrical start-up system has been built and verified. The power coefficient has been measured and the stall behaviour of this type of turbine has been examined. An optimum tip speed ratio control has been implemented and tested, with promising results. Use of the turbine to estimate the wind speed has been demonstrated. This has been used to get a faster regulation of the turbine compared to if an anemometer had been used.

This master‘s thesis deals with the simulation of small wind power plant with Savonius-Darrieus rotor. On the base of the actuator disk theory the performance of modeled power plant is predicted in theoretical part and the power coefficient as well. The process of designing the wind model is also described in this theoretical part. The practical part of this thesis is dedicated to the creating a model of DS300 vertical axis hybrid wind turbine in Matlab/Simulink. This model was used to generating of the power curve of modeled wind power plant and for the computing of power and total produced energy during an average and above-average day as well. The whole thesis is enclosed by evaluating of obtained results.

Submitted by Franciele Moreira (francielemoreyra@gmail.com) on 2018-10-01T13:57:59Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Geovanne Silva Faria - 2018.pdf: 4034833 bytes, checksum: 3e0011bf7d9acbf63ef8baf1b0409686 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2018-10-01T14:53:53Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Geovanne Silva Faria - 2018.pdf: 4034833 bytes, checksum: 3e0011bf7d9acbf63ef8baf1b0409686 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-01T14:53:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Geovanne Silva Faria - 2018.pdf: 4034833 bytes, checksum: 3e0011bf7d9acbf63ef8baf1b0409686 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-08-31 / The Brazilian energy matrix is highly focused on hydroelectric plants, that have been affected by lack of rain and long drought periods. It’s necessary to invest on alternative kinds of energy. The wind energy is an option, since Brazil presents winds with suitable velocity for energy generation, less than 5% of the Brazilian energy power grid is composed by wind turbines. The present work aims to contribute to the alternative energy generation industry, having as objective the study and analysis of flow condition over airfoils of vertical axis wind turbines. The simulation of flow over airfoils were performed using the Pseudo-Spectral Fourier method together with the Immersed Boundary method for discretization of the spatial domain, and the Runge-Kutta method of fourth order for discretization of the time domain. Both instantaneous and mean values were recorded for the lift (Cl) and drag coefficient (Cd), as well as the fields of vorticity, pressure and velocity for the flow over the airfoils with distinctive characteristics of form and angle of attack. It is concluded that with this first experiment, by refining the mesh, the values for Cl and Cd get close to the references. Posteriorly, it was imposed the movement of rotation of one vertical axis wind turbine, and simulated the flow over this turbine blades, when it was recorded both the instantaneous and mean values of the lift, drag and power coefficient, as well as the fields of vorticity, pressure and velocity for different values of velocities of turbine rotation for the airfoils NACA 0008 and NACA 4308. It was possible to conclude by analyzing the values of power coefficient (Cp), Cl and Cd obtained through simulation with the turbines that the airfoil NACA 0008 can be utilized for energy generation, since the airfoil NACA 4308 cannot be utilized in the adopted speed ranges. / A matriz energética Brasileira é altamente focada em usinas hidrelétricas, que vêm sendo afetadas pela falta de chuvas e longos períodos de estiagem. É necessário o investimento em fontes energéticas alternativas. Uma das opções é a energia eólica, pois o Brasil apresenta ventos com velocidades adequadas para geração de energia e, mesmo assim, menos de 5% da matriz energética brasileira é constituída de turbinas eólicas. O presente trabalho visa contribuir com a indústria de geração de energias alternativas tendo por objetivo o estudo e análise de escoamentos sobre aerofólios de turbinas eólicas verticais. As simulações de escoamentos sobre aerofólios foram realizadas com o método Pseudoespectral de Fourier em conjunto com o método da Fronteira Imersa para discretização do domínio espacial, e o método de Runge-Kutta de quarta ordem para discretização do domínio do tempo. Foram registrados os valores instantâneos e médios dos coeficientes de sustentação (Cl) e arrasto (Cd), bem como os campos de vorticidade, pressão e velocidades para escoamento sobre aerofólios com distintas características de forma e ângulos de ataque. Conclui-se com esse primeiro experimento, que ao se refinar a malha, os valores de Cl e Cd se aproximam das referências. Posteriormente, foi imposto o movimento de rotação de uma turbina eólica de eixo vertical, e simulado o escoamento sobre as pás dessa turbina, onde foram registrados os valores instantâneos e médios dos coeficientes de sustentação, arrasto e potência, bem como os campos de vorticidade, pressão e velocidades para diferentes valores de velocidade de rotação da turbina para os aerofólios NACA 0008 e NACA 4308. Foi possível concluir ao analisar os valores de coeficiente de potência (Cp), Cl e Cd, que o aerofólio NACA 0008 pode ser utilizado para geração de energia elétrica, já o aerofólio NACA 4308 não deve ser utilizado para a faixa de velocidades adotadas.

Dissertação(mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Oceânica, Escola de Engenharia, 2006. / Submitted by Lilian M. Silva (lilianmadeirasilva@hotmail.com) on 2013-04-14T23:00:46Z No. of bitstreams: 1 acunha,i.c.pdf: 3231145 bytes, checksum: 59b7e3a2e51d332d1eb99c5b968beb88 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Bruna Vieira(bruninha_vieira@ibest.com.br) on 2013-06-04T16:01:13Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 acunha,i.c.pdf: 3231145 bytes, checksum: 59b7e3a2e51d332d1eb99c5b968beb88 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-06-04T16:01:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 acunha,i.c.pdf: 3231145 bytes, checksum: 59b7e3a2e51d332d1eb99c5b968beb88 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006 / O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar o desempenho de um gerador eólico de pequeno porte. Para isto foi instalado um aerogerador de velocidade variável com potência nominal de 250 W. O aerogerador utiliza o sistema de estol ativo para controle de rotação e proteção, maximizando a eficiência aerodinâmica, minimizando a complexidadee os custos de fabricação do sistema os quais poderiam ser impeditivos à geração de energia com estes equipamentos em função da sua pequena capacidade de geração. Para monitoramento do sistema foi instalada uma torre anemométrica contendo dois anemômetros de três conchas, um sensor de direção do tipo leme direcional e um sistema de aquisição e armazenamento de dados (data logger), um amperímetro tipo alicate utilizado para medição da corrente elétrica e um voltímetro para medição da tensão, ambos com um sistema de armazenamento de dados e um medidor de energia. Com os dados de vento medidos no local e a potência convertida, calculada através da tensão e corrente elétrica produzida pelo aerogerador foi construída acurva de potência deste e comparada com a curva de potência fornecida pelo fabricante, onde concluímos que o desempenho deste foi muito próximo do desempenho apresentado pelo fabricante, sendo em algumas situações superior. O gráfico do coeficiente de potência deste aerogerador foi construído a fim de verificar a relação entre a potência real convertida e o potencial eólico disponível para as diversas velocidades do vento experimentadas. Com os dados de vento tratados estatisticamente utilizando a função densidade de probabilidade de Weibull e a curva de potência, foi calculada aenergia convertida pelo aerogerador e o seu fator de capacidade, o qual representa a relação entre a energia convertida pelo aerogerador em um certo intervalo de tempo e a energia existente no vento para o mesmo intervalo. Foi concluído que o aerogerador possui um desempenho aceitável para as velocidades do vento a que o mesmo foi submetido durante a operação. / This study aims to analyze the performance of a small wind turbine. Thus, it was set up a wind turbine of variable speed with nominal power of 250W. The wind turbine uses the active stall system to control rotation and protection, maximizingthe aerodynamic efficiency, minimizing the complexity and the manufacturing costs of the system, which could be hindering for energy production with such equipment once it has a small generation capacity. In order to monitor the system it was installed an anemometric tower with two anemometers of three shells, a direction sensor with directional rudder and a data acquisition and storing system (data logger), an amperimeter pincers-typeused for measuring electric current and one voltmeter for tension measuring, both with a data storing system and an energy gauger. With the data from wind measured in the place and the power converted, calculated by tension and electric current produced by the wind turbine, it was built its power curve and compared with power curve provided by the marker, where weconcluded that the performance of this wind turbine was very close to the performance shown by the marker, and on some occasions even higher. The graphic of the power coefficient of this wind turbine was constructed in order to examine the relation between the real power converted and the wind power available for the different wind velocities. With the data from the wind statistically seen using the function of Weibull`s density of probability and the power curve, it was calculated the converted energy by the wind turbine and its capacity factor, which represents the relationship between the wind turbine converted energy and the available wind energy at the same time interval. We conclude that, by the power coefficient that the wind turbine performs acceptable within the wind speeds under which it was submitted during the operation.

This thesis focuses on generating real world turbulence levels in a water tunnel rotor test using fractal grids and characterizing the effect of the fractal grid generated-turbulence on the performance of hydrokinetic turbines. The research of this thesis is divided into three studies: one field study and two laboratory studies. The field study was conducted at the Canadian Hydro Kinetic Turbine Test Centre (CHTTC) on the Winnipeg River. An Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) was used in the field study to collect flow measurements in the river. The laboratory studies were conducted at the University of Victoria (UVic) fluids research lab and the Sustainable Systems Design Lab (SSDL). In addition, the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique was used in the experiential studies to obtain quantitative information about the vector flow field along the test section, both upstream and downstream of the rotor’s plane. The first study is a field study aiming to provide real flow characteristics and turbulence properties at different depths from the free-surface to boundary layer region of a fast river current by conducting a field study in the Winnipeg River using ADV. A novel technique to deploy and control an ADV from free-surface to boundary layer in a fast-current channel is introduced in this work. Flow characteristics in the river, including mean flow velocities and turbulence intensity profiles are analyzed. The obtained results indicate that the maximum mean velocity occurs below the free-surface, suggesting that the mean velocity is independent of the channel depth. From the free-surface to half depth, it was found that changes in both the mean velocity and turbulence intensity are gradual. From mid-depth to the river bed, the mean velocity drops rapidly while the turbulence intensity increases at a fast rate. The turbulent intensity varied from 9% at the free-surface to around 17.5% near the river bed. The results of this study were used in the second lab study to help designing a fractal grid for a recirculating water flume tank. The goal was to modify the turbulence intensity in the water tunnel such that the generated turbulence was similar to that in the river at a location typical of a hydrokinetic device. The properties of fractal-generated turbulence were experimentally investigated by means of 2D Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The streamwise turbulent intensity profiles for different grids along the channel are presented. Additionally, visualization of the average and fluctuating flow fields are also presented. The results are in good agreement with results in literature. The third and final study investigated the power coefficient of a scale hydrokinetic turbine rotor in controlled turbulent flow (7.4 % TI), as well as in the low-turbulence smooth flow (0.5% TI) typical of lab scale testing. PIV was employed for capturing the velocity field. The results show that using realistic TI levels in the water tunnel significantly decrease the turbine’s power coefficient compared to smooth flow, highlighting the importance of considering this effect in future experimental campaigns. / Graduate

V tomto projektu jsou popsány základy problematiky větrných elektráren. V první řadě práce zmiňuje ekomonické aspekty, vývoj větrné energetiky v minulosti a pravděpodobný vývoj v příští generaci, stavbu a možné topologie větrných elektráren. Dále je ukázána konstrukce větrné elektrárny, integrace větrvých parků do distribuční sítě a ostrovní sítě a související ekonomické aspekty. Dále jsou zmíněny způsoby řízení, kvality elektrické energie a bezpečnosti. V následující části, je provedena simulace moderní přímo poháněné turbíny o výkonu 660kW a řešení koeficientu výkonu. Pro tuto simulaci byl použitý systém s pomaloběžným synchronním generátorem s permanentnímy magnety. Chování a výsledky simulace větrné elektrárny jsou popsány v závěrečné části této práce.