Development of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines and Solar Power Generation Hybrid System

Abstract

Solar-Wind power generation is a typically new approach in several countries such as The United States of America, United Kingdom and others while other nations are progressively focusing on combining both solar and wind in order to generate efficient energy in their countries. Solar-wind has become an independent, sustainable and clean energy solution, yet, this has not been adopted in many countries. This energy is estimated to overcome the demand of power in the future because of its ability to produce several megawatts of power with zero emission. The aim of this study is to design and develop a hybrid wind and solar energy generation which can increase the electrical energy’s efficiency by using the wind turbine and solar panels. The implemented system aims at providing an amplified alternative source of renewable energy to cater for the already diminishing, pollutant and scarce traditional fuels such as oil, gas and coal. The implemented hybrid design consists of an improved design for the VAWT (Vertical Axis Wind Turbine), whereby two VAWT designs i.e. cup shaped and Savonius are compared in terms of performance and efficiency. The system also consists of two solar panels which are used to supplement the power generated especially during hot days when the wind speed is low. The experimental results show that the proposed system is able to generate a maximum power of 75.05W and a minimum power of 18.2W. However, in order to achieve these results a PMSG (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator) design from a recycled stepper motor is proposed in this research and implemented with a total number of 9 copper wound coils for the stator and by using rare earth magnets for the rotor (shaft).