DYNA JOURNAL ENGINEERING

Key words:

Wind turbine, wind power, clean energy, simulation, batteries, gears, propellers, polypropylene, transmission system, vertical axis, energy conversion, moderate wind, educational prototype.

Article type:

NOTA TECNICA / TECHNICAL NOTE

Section:

TECHNICAL NOTE

This research presents an accessible solution for energy generation in domestic environments, promoting mini-wind energy as a key alternative in the transition towards clean and sustainable energy.
Wind energy is a renewable source derived from an inexhaustible natural resource: the wind. Unlike fossil fuels, it does not depend on limited reserves but can be continuously harnessed as long as climatic conditions permit. This research presents an accessible solution for energy generation in domestic environments, promoting wind energy as a key alternative in the transition to clean and sustainable energy.
The study focuses on the design and manufacture of a prototype of a vertical wind turbine, ideal for educational use, in learning engineering principles. This prototype is designed to operate efficiently at low wind speeds, starting at 3 m/s. The simulations carried out determined that polypropylene is the most suitable material for the manufacture of propellers, due to its lightness and response capacity at moderate wind speeds. Additionally, the system was optimized to increase the number of revolutions per minute (RPM) of the rotor in order to generate direct current (VCD). To do this, a gear transmission system with a 1:4 ratio was implemented, made of Plastic Nylon, a material known for its high hardness and mechanical resistance. This system made it possible to increase the rotation speed of the wind turbine, going from 12 RPM in the rotor to 48 RPM in the driven shaft, facilitating its coupling with electrical generators designed to operate at higher speeds. This performance demonstrates adequate efficiency, showing that the size and curvature of the propellers are optimal for capturing energy in low wind conditions. The prototype design provides a teaching tool that illustrates key engineering concepts such as materials selection, gear mechanics, and renewable energy conversion.

In conclusion, the developed prototype represents a significant advance in the search for sustainable energy solutions for environments with moderate wind conditions.

Keywords: Wind turbine, wind power, clean energy, simulation, batteries, gears, propellers.