Chapter 1: Proposal

1.1 Introduction

In recent years, the search for sustainable energy has grown very rapidly. The
awareness of the shortage of current energy is one of the main discussions between
scientist and engineers. Energy issues increasingly influences the future daily life. For
examples, the fuel consumption and emission of gas carbon monoxides into the
atmospheres bring effects to the ecology system[1].

Indeed, industrialized countries at present produce about 65% of their

electricity from fossil fuels[2]. It was recognized that combustion of fossil fuels was
the primary cause of climate change led to global discussion on energy supply.
Increasing fuel price and pollution has generated eagerness of the scientist to search
and develop a new system of energy which is cheap and clean.

Therefore, an alternative to those current energies is wind turbine. One of the

great advantage of wind turbine is it generated clean energy or normally known as
green energy. Wind turbine is a device used to generate electricity from kinetic energy
of the wind.

Wind energy is undoubtedly one of the cleanest forms of producing power

from a renewable source and the most economically practical, and both technically
and environmentally attractive, of all the new renewable energy options. In order for
wind turbine to operate, the existence of strong winds is compulsory. Therefore, this
research contains detailed information on study of analysis and characteristic of tube
wind turbine. It will give the idea of design tube wind turbine to be integrated in solar
chimney.

The wind phenomenon normally occurred at the flat land and near to the sea.
This movement of air is known as wind phenomena.
1.2 Problem Identification

Wind energy is one of the future energy developed by the scientist to cope
with the deteriorating of current energy. Since wind energy barely make its mark
about 20 years ago. It still needs an improvement to increase the efficiency of energy
production and consumption. Based on the journal and research of previous scientist,
the stability of the wind on area of study is the main problem. It is really hard for us to
control the wind flow. Hence to determine the exact energy can be produce by the
wind turbine. The secondary problem is the efficiency of the wind turbine to produce
the wind energy henceforth converts it to electricity 1.The latest idea is to combine
solar chimney and wind turbine to create a small energy production plant in every
house2.

1.3 Rational of Research

The rational of this research based of the essential of the new green and
sustainable energy that can be afford by each of household. Since the pollutions had
become worsen and fossil fuel has limited resources, it is important to develop a new
energy to overcome this problem.

The key for this research is the study of characteristic of the tube wind turbine.
This tube wind turbine will be used together with solar chimney to generate
electricity. The availability of wind resources is an important factor to develop the
tube wind turbine.

The potential of the tube wind turbine to be integrated with many kind of
household appliances and generates electricity give extra motivation.

1
Efficiency
2
Hybrid Energy
1.4 Objective of Research

The objectives of the research are:

1. To develop a sustainable energy that affordable for daily uses.

2. To design and study a characteristic of high efficiency rotor blade for wind
turbine
3. To reduces pollution, green house effect and emission of CO2

1.5 Methodology

The methodologies use in this research can be divided into two main
components which are the general methodology and the focus methodology. The
general methodology is for the whole project overall and focus methodology is focus
on certain experiments need to be run in this research.

1.5.1 General Methodology

The general methodology for this research is to study and analyse the
characteristics of the rotor blade for wind turbine. The first step in order for wind
energy development is to define the main problem. The data of energy produce being
compared with previous design. The disadvantages and weakness on previous design
can be taken into consideration.

One benchmark being set as a reference. After the main problem being
defined, further research need to be done to improve the existing weakness. The study
estimate and evaluate the minimum wind speed required to rotate the blade.

To finish, a new design being propose and being analysed. The analysis utilise
the data to determine the factor that influence the rotation of the blade. The data being
plot into graph. Using graph, it is easier to understand the characteristics of the new
design rotor blade. Hence, a modification can easily be made on the design[2].

1.5.2 Focus Methodology

Focus methodology is the method use on certain experiment in this research.

Taguchi methods were applied throughout the research process. This method is a
statistically technique to determine the best combination of product and process
variables to make a product.

Besides that, mathematical engineering software was used to calculate and simulate
the result. For example, using Simulink to develop the system and produce the data.
Another method is by using Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to do the
data analysis[3].
 ritiaonThesPctCSudyAlIfOgpm
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1.5.3 Methodology Overview
Figure 1 : Methodology Overview

1.6 Limitation

In this project, there are limitations set to control the outcomes of the research.
This research will focus mainly on the study of the characteristics of tube wind
turbine.

o The size of tube wind turbine is only for the size of small capacity like household.
Therefore, study only valid for the small size of parameter.
o Since this research being made in Malaysia, the outcomes of the study valid for the
purpose weather similar to Malaysia. Difference in temperature and pressure may
vary the outcomes data.
o Weight of the rotor blade of tube wind turbine is limited for a lightweight. With the
intention of be able to rotate when a low velocity of wind flow inside the tube[3].
Chapter 2.0 Literature Review
2. 1 Wind Energy

The wind phenomenon normally occurred at the flat land and near to the sea.
It happens due to the difference between the rates of heating on earth, and causes the
air pressure differences. Sunlight heats different parts of the earth surface differently.
Land is heated more quickly during the day the sea, and areas near the equator are
heated more than areas near the poles[4].

The heated surface heats the air above it, which rises to about 10 km altitude
and then spreads out to cooler areas where it falls. This temperatures difference then
caused the hot air and cold air. As the hot air is lighter than cold air, the hot air will
move upwards and the cold air move downward. This convection system is what
drives the earth's winds. This movement of air is known as wind phenomena [5]. This
phenomenon is shown in the diagram below.

Figure 2 : Wind Phenomena3

2.1.1 Wind Characteristics

It has also to be recognized that the low energy concentration of wind, and its
highly variable and random availability over time, no doubt clash with the needs of
electricity producers. Particularly, the low energy concentration means that, where a

3
 wind plant of significant power is to be built, a large number of wind turbines have to
be used, which must in turn be large in size in relation to their installed generating
capacity [2].

2.1.2 Efficiency

The secondary problem is the efficiency of the wind turbine to produce the
wind energy henceforth converts it to electricity. The design of the rotor blade plays a
significant effect to the rotational speed of the turbine. Therefore, it does determine
the amount of energy produces. There is a lot of design of wind turbine in the market
with a different size and specifications. At the present time, the main issue is “what is
the best rotor blade design to produce the highest energy”.

At this moment in time, scientists are more interested to develop a composite

energy which is the combination of two energies in a way to increase the efficiency of
two energy production. For instance is combination between wind energy and
subsurface pumped storage energy. The main purpose of the study is to use the excess
of wind energy to pump the water from low reservoir to high reservoir[6].

2.1.3 Hybrid Energy

The latest idea is to combine solar chimney and wind turbine to create a small
energy production plant in every house. The advantages of this plant are it is
affordable and create a green energy. The main question is how great the solar
chimney can produce heat and make a wind flow pass through the wind turbine. A
further and deep research need to be done. The analysis and the characterization of
tube wind turbine using CFD[7].
2.2 Wind Turbine

A wind turbine is a device for converting wind power to mechanical rotation

with a low velocity turbine designed for compressible fluids. The use of wind turbines
is to drive generators to produce electricity[8].

2.2.1 Tube Wind Turbine

Tube wind turbine is a small scale wind turbine that can be integrated to other
energy producing system such as solar chimney. It has a small diameter blade and it
can rotate at a low wind speed and combined with generator to generate electricity.
But the disadvantages are it only creates a small capacity of energy due to its small
size[2].

Figure 3 : Tube Wind Turbine

2.2.2 Type of Turbine
2.2.2.1 Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT)

Horizontal axis wind turbine is the propeller-type rotor is mounted on a

horizontal axis. The rotor needs to be positioned into the wind direction by means of a
tail or active yawing by a yaw motor. HAWT are sensitive to the changes in wind
direction and turbulence. It has a negative effect on performance due to the required
repositioning of the turbine into the wind flow. The best locations for HAWT to be
used are open areas with smooth air flow and few obstacles[9].

2.2.2.2Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT)

Vertical axis wind turbines VAWT are typically developed only for the urban
deployment. Changes in wind direction have less negative effects on this type of
turbine because it does not need to be positioned into the wind direction. The overall
efficiency of VAWT in producing electricity is lower than HAWT[9].

2.2.3 The Wind Turbine Design

A wind turbine is defined as machine for conversion of wind energy to other

forms of energy using rotor blade. The shape of the rotor blade may have bending or
curving for structural strength or for aesthetics. The shape of the rotor blade may not
be primarily for aerodynamic lift[2].

2.2.3.1 Rotor Blade Design

In order to reduce the recessive stresses, advance wind turbines have three
blades. It is because only one of blade is in a maximum stress position at a time. The
major historic design defect is to have an even number of blades, so that two blades
are vertical at the same time. Two-bladed turbines have the highest cyclic stresses.
 Manufacturers normally have three-bladed turbines with three separate blades.
The turbine has to be assembled carefully to ensure the accurate 120 degree spacing
between blades[10].

The shape of the rotor blade shall be no less in width at their outermost part
than they are in width at their innermost part, except in the outermost 10% area for
strength or for aesthetics. The rotor blade profile will have their angle set within a
range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees[10].

Figure 4 : Blade Angle

Three bladed turbines are much more efficient and quiet. The cost of the
turbine increases with the number of blades, so the optimum number of blades turns
out to be three.

2.2 3.2 Rotor Blade Profile

An aerodynamic profile includes a main profile body defining a profile depth

direction. It has shear-flexible in the profile depth direction, a tension-stiff and
compression-stiff upper covering skin.

There are one actuator is configured to initiate a flexural motion of the main
profile body. It will produce curvature of the upper and lower covering skins. It
deforms the rear profile deformation region and produces a flap deflection directed
opposite to a direction of the flexural motion[10].
 Figure 5 : Rotor Blade Design

2.2.4 Energy

The kinetic energy of a given mass varies with the square of its velocity. The
mass flow increases with the wind speed, the wind energy available to a wind turbine
increases as the cube of the wind speed. The wind turbine extracts energy from the air
flow.

Power output from a wind turbine is proportional to the cube of the wind
speed. As wind speed doubles, the capacity of wind turbine increases eightfold. There
is usually a means of stalling the turbine's blades to reduce its wind resistance when
the wind is extremely strong.

For a given wind speed, the mass of a turbine is approximately proportional to

the cube of its blade-length. Wind intercepted by the turbine is proportional to the
square of its blade-length. The maximum blade-length of a turbine is limited by both
the strength and stiffness of its material[11].

2.2.5 Materials

The cost for the turbine such as a labour and maintenance costs increase when
the size of turbine increases. In order to minimize costs, wind turbines are limited by
the strength of materials, and sitting. One of the suitable materials available is nylon.
 Nylon composites enable turbines of 2 inches diameter to be built, enough to
tap a few watts of power. Others material can be used are lightweight fibreglass,
aluminium, or laminated wood.

2.2.6 Height

Wind turbines normally are similar to a propeller. The turbine is perpendicular

to the wind, mounted on a tower. A small wind generator the tower height is normally
around twenty meters. Large generators, the tower height is about twice of the
propeller radius. In this study, the size of tube wind turbine will be approximately 2
inches diameter[12].

Figure 6 : Location of Blade Figure 7 : Location of Turbine

2.2.7 Location

A wind turbine tower produces turbulence behind it. So, the turbine is placed
in front to avoid turbulence. The turbine has to be placed a considerable distance in
front[12].
2.2.8 Safety
When a wind turbine operated at high speed, it created a torque on the blade. It also
increases the force in the wind direction of the blade. Therefore, the mechanical stress is higher
when the turbine rotates. For a safety reason, the wind turbine needs to be stopped at high speed
wind.
References
1. cabs@eia.doe.gov, Malaysia Energy Data, Statistics and Analysis Oil, Gas, Electricity, Coal.
2. Ezio Sesto, C.C., Exploitation of wind as an energy source to meet the worlds electricity
demand.
3. Paluszek, P.a.M.A., Nonlinear estimation and control for small-scale wind turbines.
4. WordIQ.com, 2010
5. ; Available from: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream//synoptic/wind.htm.
6. Nagler, N.L., A.; Schäfer, G., Untertägige Pumpspeicherkraftwerke– Ein neuer Weg der
Energiespeicherung.
7. Pragya Nema1, R.K.N., SarojRangnekar, PV-solar / wind hybrid energy system for
GSM/CDMA type mobile telephony base station.
8. K. Sopian, M.Y.O., B. Yatim, W.R.W. Daud, Future Directions in Malaysian Environment
Friendly Renewable Energy Technologies Research and Development.
9. Jadranka Cace, R., et al., URBAN WIND TURBINES.
10. Teodoro Sanchez Campos ITDG, S.F.a.H.P., Wind rotor blade construction Small Wind
Systems for Battery Charging.
11. Schmidt, M., Wind Turbine Design Optimization.
12. Heather Rhoads-Weaver, e.O.L., et al., Small Wind Turbine Purchasing Guide.