Design and Evaluation of Savonius Wind Turbine Models in a Wind Tunnel

Resumo

To enhance understanding of the conversion of wind kinetic energy into mechanical work, this study presents the design and construction of vertical-axis Savonius wind turbine models for educational use in a wind tunnel. The work emphasizes the use of low-cost materials and a simplified manufacturing process. Two turbine models with distinct configurations were developed. The first model was constructed using PVC pipes, featuring overlapping blades, a single stage, and a defined central shaft. The second model was fabricated from acrylic, with non-overlapping blades, a two-stage configuration, and no apparent central shaft; the blades are mounted on acrylic disks, which in turn hold shaft tips that connect to either a torque measurement device or an electric generator. The two-stage design of the second model enables automatic startup of rotation, and the absence of a central shaft reduces the overall weight of the turbine, although it poses challenges for balancing. Rotational speed measurements were performed using a tachometer, while torque was measured using a custom-built static torque meter. The results include the tip speed ratio relative to wind speed and the torque coefficient, i.e., the efficiency curves of each wind turbine model. These are compared with results reported in the literature.