1. Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Simulation
Jarrett Johnson
ET 494 – Senior Design II
Advisor: Dr. Junkun Ma
Instructor: Cris Kutsougeras

2. 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

3. 2-D Simulation In Comsol (Top View)

4. 3-D Simulation in Comsol

5. Semester Timeline
October 16 – Have dimensions set and 2-D geometry completed in Comsol
October – 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