Tilt and Swivel Vertical Axis Wind Turbine for High Speed Regions on or Off Shore. Model Rotor(s) Experiments Lead as Instructive Scaffold to the Prototype
To harness high velocity and fluctuating wind, this new tilt & swivel type vertical axis rotor, as an original idea is investigated. If the conventional anchoring of its top end with guy wires to the ground is simply done away with, the rotor axle becomes a cantilever; requires it to be more rigid, strong and hence heavy. Instead, the lower end of the axle is modified with fulcrum and the rotor is kept upright with the counterweights. Hence the whole balanced assembly of rotor and generator located on opposite ends, can easily tilt about the turnnion, in tune with the wind speed. Counter weight to the rotor can include additional dead weights, along with the generator and gear train. By automatic tilting, the rotor can work through and up to higher cut-out wind speed. Change of wind direction causes the axle to swivel and align for the continued smooth rotor operation. Hence both the tilt and swivel freedom of the vertical axle/axis, renders a complete new design of the wind turbine for high speed regions up to 50 m/s. Heralding of this new design and the realization of its prototype is the outcome of this experimental study presented herewith. In the offshore installation, if the generator and counter weight assembly is to operate under water, then the buoyancy and fluid damping effects merit consideration. In essence, let the tons of steel, wood and all that, harness the high wind in such ease and grace; appearing as if the daffodils toss and turn in the breeze!
