Evaluation of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine for Use in Rural Areas

With the constant increase in the need for electricity, the use of wind energy emerges as an alternative that is capable of meeting these demands. Considering that several regions in Brazil have a great potential for wind power, it is necessary to develop technologies and investments to ensure the growth of this energy source. The purpose of this project was to study the technical and economic feasibility of a vertical axis wind turbine, which employed a washing machine motor, a servomotor and an alternator for electricity generation, in order to verify which generation system presents better efficiency. Additionally, the unit costs of the energy produced in each generation system were determined and compared to the value of the electricity tariff charged by the concessionaire for rural consumers. Based on the collected data relating to voltages and electric currents, the power and the wind-mechanical, mechanical-electrical and wind-electrical efficiencies of each generator system were calculated, allowing a comparison between these values. The alternator presented the best wind-mechanical efficiency (5.02%) and the best wind-electrical efficiency (0.47%). The washing machine motor showed the best mechanical-electrical efficiency (11.33%). The results showed that the systems have little efficiency in the generation of electricity, and the cost of energy generated indicates values much higher than those practiced by the local electricity concessionaire.