Optimized Vertical Axis Wind Turbine for Remote Power Generation

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Renewable Energy Generation and Storage; Trusted AI and Autonomy OBJECTIVE: Design a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) suitable for power generation in remote locations or for temporary bases having no local grid and no acceptable means of generating power by fuel consumption. DESCRIPTION: Despite having distinct potential advantages, VAWTs are a failed technology. The main disadvantage concerns low power output due to suboptimal design, especially arising from the parasitic negative contribution to torque in current designs (both Savonius and Darrieus). Advantages of VAWTs include features beneficial for military applications in remote locations: ease of installation and maintenance, no requirements of a starting motor or alignment with the wind direction, lightweight, portable, ease of assembly and disassembly, simple design, generation of power at night and in snowy environments, and low cost. Emerging ML optimization methods combined with advanced fluid-structure interaction simulations adapted to large rotational motions could overcome the disadvantages. PHASE I: This topic is accepting Phase I proposals for a cost of up to $180k for a 6-month period of performance. Proposals will present initial state-of-the-art AI/ML-based analysis and preliminary design(s) that overcome the disadvantages of commercialized VAWTs and that meet the objectives cited above. An algorithm based on state-of-the-art ML methods and detailed initial geometric optimization is required. Scaling laws for design of models in various sizes should be determined. PHASE II: Phase II STTR will provide up to $ 1.8M for the finalization of the ML-based design and the building of prototypes for independent evaluation by relevant DoD personnel. In addition to one or more full-scale models, comprehensive wind tunnel tests on small models of various sizes will be carried out and compared with predictions and analytical scaling laws. The detailed ML algorithm/software/documentation to be delivered to DoD personnel. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: A high-power VAWT has the potential for wide applicability for civilian power generation in areas not served by the grid or in locations where Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs) would not be allowed or tolerated (e.g., suburban, exurban, farmed, and other rural areas). Other features that underlie a potential dual usage role for the developed VAWT: VAWTs do not generally require critical materials that are used in HAWTs (essential to reduce weight for the generator in HAWTs); VAWTs are less dangerous to birds and bats than HAWTs. A wide variety of (locally available) materials can be used for construction of a VAWT (depending on the design): thermoplastics (recyclable), timber, soft or hard sail materials. In comparison to solar arrays: VAWTs are applicable to cold climates (with snow) and generally can be made without toxic materials. REFERENCES: 1. Levi Golston, Greg Davies, Ryan Edwards, Mark Miller, Mostafa Momen, Tara Nealon, Elie Bou-Zeid, Minjie Chen, Martin OL Hansen, Marcus Hultmark, et al. Wind power. Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment at Princeton University, page 5, 2019. 2. M Khudri Johari, Muhd Jalil, and Mohammad Faizal Mohd Shariff. Comparison of horizontal axis wind turbine (hawt) and vertical axis wind turbine (vawt). International Journal of Engineering and Technology, 7(4.13):74 80, 2018. Reviews, 39:1214 1225, 2014. 3. Xin Jin, Gaoyuan Zhao, KeJun Gao, and Wenbin Ju. Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine: Basic research methods. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 42:212 225, 2015 KEYWORDS: Power Generation, AI/ML Mechanical Design, Remote Deployment, Autonomous Systems