Design of an Active Axis Wind Turbine (AAWT) That Can Balance Centrifugal and Aerodynamic Forces to Reduce Support Infrastructure While Maintaining a Stable Flight Path

Jawad Mezaal (), Jonathan Whale (), Kim Schlunke, Parisa Arabzadeh Bahri and David Parlevliet
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Jawad Mezaal: School of Engineering and Energy, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
Jonathan Whale: School of Engineering and Energy, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
Kim Schlunke: Sifte Pty Ltd., 23 View Tce., Darlington, WA 6070, Australia
Parisa Arabzadeh Bahri: School of Engineering and Energy, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
David Parlevliet: School of Engineering and Energy, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-21

Abstract: This study introduces a novel approach to wind energy by investigating a novel Active Axis Wind Turbine design. The turbine is neither a horizontal nor vertical axis wind turbine but has an axis of operation that can actively change during operation. The design features a rotor with a single blade capable of dynamic pitch and tilt control during a single rotor rotation. This study examines the potential to balance the centrifugal and aerodynamic lift forces acting on the rotor blade assembly, significantly reducing blade, tower, foundation and infrastructure costs in larger-scale devices and decreasing the levelised cost of energy for wind energy. The design of a laboratory prototype rotor assembly is optimised by varying the masses and lengths in a lumped mass model to achieve equilibrium between centrifugal and lift forces acting on the turbine’s rotor assembly. The method involves an investigation of the variation of blade pitch angle to provide a balance between centrifugal and aerodynamic forces, thereby facilitating the cost advantages and opening the opportunity to improve the turbine efficiency across a range of operation conditions. The implication of this study extends to different applications of wind turbines, both onshore and offshore, introducing insight into innovation for sustainable energy and cost-effective solutions.

Keywords: wind energy; active axis wind turbine; lift and centrifugal forces; lumped mass (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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