Low-cost bamboo lattice towers for small wind turbines

We investigate the feasibility of using bamboo in triangular lattice towers, to be used with small wind turbines. To examine the feasibility, experimental tests on bamboo's material properties and design analysis of a 12 m high bamboo tower for a 500 W wind turbine have been carried out. Essential material properties of a typical bamboo species for structural analysis of the tower have been experimentally determined. Analytical and finite element methods have been used in the analysis. The result of this study demonstrates the feasibility of designing bamboo lattice towers for small wind turbines, which shows promising cost reduction potential for small wind turbine towers in developing countries.