The optimization of power generation in low-cost Massproduced wheeled wind turbines

In fixed wind turbine installations, the optimal wind location is difficult to individuate, permissions are difficult to obtain and the production site is distant from the costumers. The large production scale of small wheeled wind turbines keep the cost at minimum and give the possibility to install the windmill close to the final costumers. CFD simulation makes it possible to optimize the matching of a small mobile wind turbine with an automotive commercial alternator. This paper proposes an innovative device to furl the wind turbine around the pole axis in such a way to optimize energy production and avoid over-speed. For this purpose a commercial shock-absorber and a cam mechanism are used. The CFD simulation, in this case with Flow Simulation of Solid Works, makes it possible to design the turbine, the tail vane and the mechanism to maximize energy production. The device includes a shock absorber and a cam mechanism. The system provides optimum matching of the turbine torque output to the generator shaft. The same mechanism also determines the cut-out speed. The automotive generator includes a system to charge a 24V standard battery. Then, a power inverter outputs the electric energy to the grid. The 4m-diameter three-blades-rotor is connected to the 3.6kW automotive alternator through a commercial 2.5:1 speed multiplier.