DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A SMALL – SCALE VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE

Abstract

India continues to face several challenges in increasing the share of wind energy in its overall electricity generation mix. Expanding the number of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs) within existing wind farms is difficult because turbines installed too closely generate wake effects that reduce the efficiency and power output of neighboring units. Establishing new wind farms has also become increasingly expensive due to the costs associated with land acquisition, environmental clearances, road construction, and the development of transmission infrastructure. In addition, the large size of HAWTs can pose risks to migratory and native bird populations, resulting in stricter environmental regulations, higher mitigation expenses, and longer approval processes. The potential of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) as an alternative solution has not yet been thoroughly investigated because utility-scale VAWTs are still limited, and there is insufficient data regarding their interaction with nearby HAWTs and their effects on wildlife. Before wind farm developers can consider the large-scale deployment of VAWTs alongside existing HAWTs, field-based studies must demonstrate that the wake patterns generated by VAWTs have neutral or beneficial effects on the energy production, operational efficiency, and maintenance of neighboring HAWTs. Similarly, regulatory authorities require scientific evidence confirming that VAWTs do not adversely affect bird populations before granting approval for their installation in Indian wind farms. The technical performance and economic feasibility of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) have also received limited attention to date. However, their inherent design advantages indicate significant potential to transform wind energy development by enabling the effective utilization of abundant wind resources, particularly in offshore regions along India's eastern and western coastlines and in high-wind areas across states such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.