Optimizing a lab-scale Savonius wind turbine via central composite design

Abstract

The study discusses the design and development of a lab-scale Savonius wind turbine made from recycled components to provide a sustainable micro-generation solution. The study will focus on an important area where there exists an ever-increasing demand for an affordable, low-cost energy solution in modern-day urban and rural settings. The experiment utilizes Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design to determine optimal values of important design parameters such as the number of blades and length of blades of this wind energy system. Analysis of variance also shows that the performance of this wind energy system is significantly affected by linear, quadratic, and interaction effects of these important parameters. The results of the optimization process were used to determine an optimum setup of three blades, 300 mm in length, that achieved a maximum efficiency of 12.77% with an output power of 2.779 Watts, close to the optimum. High R² values with non-significant results for the lack of fit tests in all empirical equations proved that the developed mathematical models were adequate. These results clearly indicate that recycled Savonius wind turbines could offer an efficient, low-cost alternative for wind power micro-energy production in isolated regions.