A novel small scale efficient wind turbine for power generation

A ‘proof of concept’ study of a novel wind turbine that overcomes some of the deficiencies and combines the advantages of the conventional horizontal and vertical axis wind turbines is presented in this paper. The study conducted using computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel tests clearly demonstrate that such a proposition is feasible and a low cost, low noise, safe and easy to operate but enhanced performance wind turbine for small scale power generation in low wind speed is viable.

► A novel concept of a low noise, safe and efficient small scale wind turbine for operation at low wind speed is proposed.
► Rationale behind the concept and practical implementation is outlined.
► ‘Proof of concept’ study is conducted and validated using CFD and wind tunnel investigations.