MAGLEV Vertical-axis Wind Turbine

Magnetic Levitation (MAGLEV) systems are becoming increasingly popular in vertical-axis wind turbines due to their ability to reduce friction and wear. The present research investigates the design, construction and efficiency of a direct drive magnetically levitating Savonius vertical-axis wind turbine. In fabricating the prototypes of these wind turbines, three variations were developed and tested. The three variations of cup blade diameter size were tested with solidities of 0.545 (0.076 m diameter), 0.367 (0.05 m diameter), and 0.285 (0.038 m diameter cups). Tests were performed to determine the most effective approach for medium to high wind applications with and without MAGLEV. It was found that the MAGLEV system, with a solidity of 0.545, achieved the best efficiency and tip speed ratio of 0.56. In scaling the turbine, the research shows a promising design for manufacturing and further testing of these prototypes.