The research team has developed a 6KW prototype, which will be installed on the Fleurieu Peninsula in the coming weeks. This cutting-edge design aims to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability for residential, agricultural, and light industrial users, as well as for large-scale offshore wind farms.
While horizontal-axis wind turbines dominate the renewable energy landscape, Flinders University's engineering team is paving the way for the adoption of vertical-axis designs. Collaborating with VAWT-X Energy, researchers are creating advanced prototypes of large-scale VAWTs, which are set for real-world testing later this year.
"The large standalone vertical turbine-designed for quiet operation and adaptability-is proving to be just as efficient as horizontal models," explained Dr. Amir Zanj, head of the Advanced Wind Energy Technology (AWET) research group at Flinders University's Tonsley campus.
Dr. Zanj and his colleagues recently published an article in the journal Energies, exploring the potential of Darrieus-type VAWTs. "'Darrieus' VAWTs can thrive across diverse environments, whether as single units, part of urban infrastructure, or scaled up for wind farms," Dr. Zanj stated. "They offer benefits such as high power density, stability in offshore settings, and adaptability to urban areas with variable winds-all while being quieter and more economical to operate."
VAWT-X Energy's founder, Gary Andrews, emphasized the importance of overcoming aerodynamic challenges in VAWT designs. "We believe our VAWTs are not only more efficient but also more accessible for applications like off-grid power and sustainable energy solutions for small businesses and farms," Andrews said. "Our design addresses traditional barriers associated with Darrieus turbines."
Researchers believe that advancements in VAWT technology could soon provide a versatile and sustainable alternative for renewable energy generation across Australia and beyond. The innovative design features a low-maintenance, two-bladed helical rotor with a shaft connected to a brake and generator, making it well-suited for areas with highly variable wind conditions.
The project has received substantial support, including a $300,000 grant from South Australia's Department of State Development and additional funding from the Australian Government. South Australia's Minister for Energy and Mining, Tom Koutsantonis MP, reaffirmed the state's commitment to renewable energy innovation. "South Australia leads the global energy transition with a goal of 100 percent net renewable electricity by 2027," Koutsantonis said. "We support projects like this that challenge conventional approaches to renewable energy."
Vertical-axis turbines, with their quiet operation and suitability for urban and residential areas, are particularly advantageous in locations where wind direction is variable. However, their development has been hampered by aerodynamic inefficiencies such as drag created by blades moving into the wind. These challenges are being addressed through the collaborative efforts of Flinders University and VAWT-X Energy.
Dr. Zanj, a lecturer in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Flinders, began working with VAWT-X Energy in 2019 after company founder Gary Andrews introduced the green energy concept. The partnership has since evolved into a cutting-edge research initiative aimed at revolutionizing wind energy technology.
The article "Addressing VAWT aerodynamic challenges as the key to unlocking their potential in the wind energy sector" (2024) by Abolfazi Abdolahifar and Amir Zanj appears in Energies' special issue, 'Wind Turbine Aeromechanics: Theory, Methods and Applications.' DOI: 10.3390/en17205052. Published October 11, 2024.
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Flinders University
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