Design of a Low RPM Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (PTLB) with a Three-Stage Gear System for Increasing Generator Rotational Speed

Abstract

The diminishing supply of fossil fuels has spurred the exploration of alternative energy solutions, with wind energy being a prominent option. Vertical axis wind turbines, or VAWTs, can function well with changing wind directions; nonetheless, they often operate at low rotational speeds, especially when wind speeds are low, which restricts the effectiveness of generators when they are directly connected. This research focuses on creating and producing a low-RPM vertical axis wind turbine that incorporates a three-stage gear transmission system to boost the rotational speed of the generator. The suggested system features a gear mechanism with three different diameters: 15 cm, 5 cm, and 2.5 cm. This design aims to amplify the rotational ratio from the turbine to the generator. The experimental data reveal that the multi-stage gearing arrangement considerably enhances the speed of the generator in comparison to the turbine's speed. Consequently, the generator can generate electrical power more effectively, even when operating at reduced speeds. These results suggest that the incorporation of a three-stage gear transmission can successfully boost the performance of generators and improve the efficiency of small wind energy conversion systems.