Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Brandon Guerra Devan Rodriguez Austin Noel Micah Thornton Advisor: Dr. Cris Koutsougeras

Project Overview The objective of this project is to design a vertical axis wind turbine that will allow us to utilize the wind energy available in the area surrounding the sustainability center. We plan to use renewable energy from the wind by converting the kinetic energy into usable electrical energy.

Previous Designs 18’ aluminum shaft Two, 8’x4’ panels

Gear and Pulley System’ The Shaft is mounted on each end with a pillow block bearing. Shaft connected to a belt driven pulley system that is connected to an alternator.

Previous Design Faults Non-functional system to orient panels according to wind direction Unstable foundation Was not high enough to effectively capture wind energy No Energy captured, i.e. no batteries hooked up to alternators to harness power generated from the torque of the shaft.

Wind Activity in Hammond, La Over the course of the year typical wind speeds vary from 0 mph to 14 mph (calm to moderate breeze), rarely exceeding 20 mph (fresh breeze). The highest average wind speed of 6 mph (light breeze) occurs around March 2, at which time the average daily maximum wind speed is 14 mph (moderate breeze). The lowest average wind speed of 2 mph (light air) occurs around July 24, at which time the average daily maximum wind speed is 10 mph (gentle breeze). In Hammond, the wind come from the North (14% of the time), South- East (11%), North-East (4%), South-West (3%),

Anemometer

Dc-540 Permanent Magnet alternator $225. 00 . Dc-540 Permanent Magnet alternator $225.00 . Perfect wind generator in area s that experience average winds of 5-15 MPH . Model Reaches 12 Volts at 130 RPM

Structural/foundation Design The goal is to use the previous materials as much as possible. Structure: Extension or possible new shaft for additional panels Foundation: Permanent foundation at SELU Sustainability Center Underground foundation and attached guidewires for extra stability

Design Requirements for Blades Lightweight Weather-Proof Strong, can hold up to increased wind speeds Potential Materials: Carbon Fiber Aluminum Styrofoam Fiber Glass

Transmission There are many types of transmissions to consider when building a turbine. The three transmissions that we are considering right now are: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Pulley and Belt Drive Gear Drive

Progress Met with Bryon Patterson, the director of the Physical Plant, at SLU’s sustainability center to discuss placement of proposed structure and resources available for fabrication of design. Discussed practical improvements/replacements to previous design. Researched potential material for structure and panels. Researched different kind of transmissions.

Deliverables Turbine Layout/Design Creating new system to orient panels (Contacting previous group about the old CAM system) Mechanical Strength Criteria and a Structural analysis of base and vertical structure Selected Materials and transmission Design Budget

TimeLine Tasks to Complete: Timeframe for Tasks: Decision on Materials and Transmission March 5-11 Turbine Layout and Design March12-18 Structural Analysis (Base) March 19-25 Structural Analysis (Vertical Structure) March 26-April 1 Structural Analysis on Vertical Panels April 2-8 Drivetrain Design April 9-15 Transmission Analysis April 23-29

Questions ? Please!