Motivation
Large scale simulation model
|
The motivation of this research is to design and build a prototype of the modern wind turbine in a way that increases power production, accessibility, and safety without increasing the size of the nacelle. To accomplish this goal, the research explores whether or not multiple power generators can be used, and can be placed in series within the tower rather than within the nacelle. By adding and moving the generators, the amount of power that can be produced is greatly increased. In addition, by adding an elevator and ladder within the tower, upkeep costs for the turbine can be reduced due to increase in accessibility and safety for maintenance crews.
The major factors examined in this research include; the design of a small vertical drivetrain that will transmit the power from the gearbox to the first generator, from the first generator to the second, and so on, as well as how to counteract the problems created due to the loss of the generators mass in the nacelle. In conventional turbines the mass of the generator is used to help counterbalance weight and thrust of the blades. |
Two Phases |
Our project will consist of two phases: First we will be using SolidWorks to design the components needed to build a working dual rotor turbine. This includes both the up-wind and down-wind blades, the drivetrains needed to transmit the power, and a tower that will be able to support the generators while also allowing access to each generator. Using gearing theory, we will establish an appropriate ratio between the torque and generator speed. The second phase will involve using MATLab and Excel to simulate a large turbine, which will allow us to compare our design to the large-scale turbines used today. To do this we will be studying in depth the complex theory involved with finding the equations for large scale turbines. This will allow us to calculate the max power output we can achieve for our large scale model.
|