Recently, there has been a rapid growth in the popularity of alternative energy sources. The use of wind is one of the most demanded areas in the energy sector, so many people are thinking about buying a vertical wind generator for their home. Craftsmen are trying to build such an installation with their own hands, which is quite realistic.
Content
- general information
- Main advantages
- Working principle and classification
- Models with Darrieus and Savonius rotor
- Other types
- Vertical-axis devices
- DIY making
general information
The task of a modern vertical wind turbine is to convert wind power into electrical energy. The first prototypes of such an invention appeared a very long time ago, but in those days people did not attach such importance to them as they do now. As for modern installations, they are characterized by a lot of advantages and provide a stable supply of electricity, which is quite enough for domestic needs. In some European countries, the share of consumed energy resources generated by wind farms is 25%. Denmark is among them.
In some respects, vertical wind generators are superior to the classic horizontal types, which is due to the specific design and principle of operation. They, unlike models with a horizontal axis, have practically no nodes and mechanisms that are guided by the wind flow. Due to this feature, any hydroscopic loads are significantly reduced, and the structure takes an arbitrary position regardless of the direction of the wind flow. Moreover, such windmills have a simpler design, which allows you to build them at home.
Among the key types of installations with a vertical axis of rotation are:
- orthogonal construction;
- Darrieus mechanism;
- Savonius mechanism;
- wind turbine with helicoidal design.
Main advantages
The main advantage of a vertical wind turbine is its ability to operate at a low height, giving a high level of efficiency. And although the horizontal wind generator is more efficient, the vertical one does not have to use complex mechanisms or expensive equipment, while the design has high reliability and large service life.
Due to the special profile of the blades and the specific shape of the rotor, the unit provides the best performance indicators that do not change depending on the movement of the wind. Compact household models are equipped with three (or more) rotating elements that can instantly capture a gust of wind and begin the process of converting it into electrical energy. They operate at wind speeds of 1.5 m / s, which significantly increases their efficiency and efficiency.
During operation, the installation does not emit noise or sound characteristic of large wind turbines, which is considered an indisputable plus. It also does not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere, does not need frequent maintenance and continues to supply quality energy to the premises for a long period of time. If you make a list of the advantages of vertical wind turbines, then it will consist of the following items:
- Maximum environmental friendliness.
- Ability to work without additional fuel.
- Profitability.
- Lack of complicated and frequent maintenance.
- Work on the basis of inexhaustible energy.
If the wind turbine is designed correctly, then it will be able to turn a private building into an autonomous facility for the production of electricity, becoming an additional source of income. However, in addition to the advantages, such units also have disadvantages:
- High cost. Factory models from foreign brands are quite expensive, but Russian-made vertical-axis wind turbines are quite affordable.
- Decent noise level. Such a disadvantage is present in large industrial wind turbines, since household developments are practically silent.
- Unstable power.
The last feature of wind turbines is considered the most significant, but experts get rid of it by installing several batteries. It is also important to note that the performance of a wind farm may be affected by weather conditions, which are often unpredictable. The advantages of such an energy generator are much more than the disadvantages, so the issue of its installation in a private house is becoming more and more urgent.
Working principle and classification
The operation of the vertical wind turbine is based on the principle of magnetic levitation. When the turbines rotate, an impulse and lift force is generated, as well as an actual braking force. Due to the first two, the blades of the installation begin to move, which activates the rotor and leads to the creation of a magnetic field. The system works autonomously and does not require the participation of the owner.
Despite the general principle of operation, wind catchers may differ in their design. And although this practically does not affect efficiency and productivity, it helps to find the best option for specific tasks in a specific area.
If we talk about orthogonal systems, then they are built on the basis of a solid vertical rotation axis and several blades that are located at a distance from the center frame. The system does not require the installation of additional guide assemblies and fully works in any wind. The vertical position of the main shaft allows the drive to be installed at ground level, which greatly simplifies further operation or repair work.
The only weak point in orthogonal generators is the pivot nodes. They do not have a very long service life, which is explained by the need to work under high loads from the rotor. To prevent rapid damage to the system, the support parts must be serviced in time, replacing the failed elements with new ones.
Among the disadvantages of devices of this type are the impressive weight of the blades, as well as a lower efficiency indicator compared to horizontal-axial devices. But for household purposes such wind generators are quite enough. They cope with their work duties in the best possible way.
Models with Darrieus and Savonius rotor
Devices based on the Darrieus rotor are equipped with a vertical axis of rotation and two or three flat blade systems that do not have a characteristic aerodynamic profile and are located at the base and on the top. The principle of operation of the installation is based on the strength or direction of the wind. The advantages of such a wind turbine include:
- Maximum rotation speed.
- Possibility of mounting the drive system directly on the ground.
- Ease of inspection and maintenance.
Models with two blades interact with the wind only when it is strong gusts. If the wind flow is insufficiently intense or evenly oncoming, they remain stationary. Among the disadvantages of wind turbines with a Darrieus generator, they distinguish vulnerability to dynamic loads and a relatively low efficiency indicator.
As for the wind turbines equipped with the Savonius rotor, they have semi-cylindrical blades and provide high torque even with insufficient winds. The maximum power of this type of wind turbine reaches 5 kW, so they are practically not used as an independent workstation. Instead, the instruments began to be used as a tool to accelerate the Darrieus rotor models. Due to significant shortcomings, mass production of such equipment is considered unjustified.
Other types
Wind turbines equipped with a multi-blade rotor represent a qualitative modernization of the classic models of the orthogonal type. Their work is based on a rotor complex of several blades arranged in two rows. The outer tier is static and acts as a guiding mechanism, capturing the wind flow and compressing it. Due to this technology, the actual wind speed increases significantly.
The second tier consists of movable elements that perceive the air flow from the outer blades at a certain angle. This configuration makes the device highly efficient and significantly increases its efficiency. But systems with a multi-blade rotor are not cheap, so average consumers stop at simpler and more affordable solutions. Nevertheless, energy experts say this unit offers the best efficiency in its class and can operate even with low wind flow.
Also on the market are widespread helicoidal wind turbines, which are an improved version of orthogonal devices. In these devices, the blades are twisted in an arc, which ensures effective wind flow capture and stable rotation. The use of advanced rotation technology reduces the dynamic load on the main working elements, which positively affects the service life of the plant.
Helical rotor devices offer maximum reliability and can handle heavy loads. But during operation, they can emit noise and additional sound waves.
Unfortunately, this type of wind turbine has not gained wide popularity due to its high cost. This is explained by the fact that the production of helicoidal devices is a very laborious and time-consuming process, which involves the use of complex technology.
Vertical-axis devices
As for the vertical-axis generators, they differ from the previous types in the location of the blade system. In a vertical configuration, it resembles an aircraft wing with an axis parallel to the vertical shaft. In terms of its design features, the invention is slightly similar to the Darrieus rotor, but it has a lot of advantages and unique features.
Such a generator works much faster.than other models, so its efficiency indicators are noticeably higher. In a short period of time, the installation provides the required energy resource and meets the needs of consumers in energy consumption.
Also, the advantages of the system include maximum reliability and durability, the ability to cope with impressive loads and relative cheapness. Due to these characteristics, vertical-axis generators are very popular and are the market leaders.
DIY making
Even the simplest models of wind turbines are quite expensive, so not everyone can afford to buy such a device. Because of this, craftsmen and talented inventors began to make productive mechanisms with their own hands.
It is not difficult to make a wind generator of a vertical-axial type. To do this, you need to find suitable accessories, draw up drawings and follow the instructions. With minimal gusts of wind, such a wind turbine will start working, delighting its owners with affordable and high-quality electricity. To create a future generator, you need to prepare:
- rotor - movable unit;
- blade system;
- axial mast;
- stator;
- batteries;
- inverter;
- controller.
When making your own blades, it is recommended to use lightweight plastic that has good elasticity. The rest of the raw materials are afraid of all kinds of influences and quickly deform, so it is better to stop at plastic structures.
Before starting production, you need to take into account that such a device is not powerful enough and is significantly inferior to factory samples in performance. In order not to be disappointed in a homemade design, it is better to make it 2 times more powerful in advance than mentioned in the instructions.
Without a doubt, the wind generator is one of the most useful inventions of our century. And you don't have to be an oligarch to get such a system, because with minimal effort you can make it yourself.
