Multi-Parameter Optimization of Efficiency, Capital Cost and Mass of Ferris Wheel Turbine for Low Wind Speed Regions

Abstract

The design and development of wind turbines in low-wind-speed areas involves several technical and financial challenges related to maximizing conversion efficiency and minimizing cost. Unfortunately, much of the African continent is dominated by low-wind-speed resources. In this study, a multi-parameter optimization method is used to explore the design of a novel Ferris wheel wind turbine (FWT) technology, which has an 800-kW generation capability. We used the tip speed ratio, lift-to-drag ratio and power coefficient to determine the optimal efficiency by varying the number of blades and rim diameters. The capital cost estimates, as affected by rim diameter and the number of blades, are presented. This paper studies FWTs at their rated wind speeds because wind turbines have their maximum performance at the rated wind speeds, and this allows one to observe the effects of changing the rim diameter and the number of blades without the need to consider the location of the turbine. The results show that reducing the number of spokes by half (from 64 to 32) on the four rim diameters studied decreases the efficiency by less than 0.19%, while reducing the acquisition cost by 42%, installation cost by 42% and mass by 28%. Reducing the number of spokes to a quarter (i.e., from 32 to 16) decreases the efficiency by less than 0.31%, reduces the acquisition and installation costs by 36% and 35.5%, respectively, and the mass by 19.2%, of the four rim diameters studied. The reduction of the number of blades has a significant effect on the efficiency and capital cost with varying rim diameters. This paper shows the potential for Ferris-wheel-based wind turbines for low-wind-speed conditions, such as those that prevail in parts of Africa.

Multi‐parameter optimization of performance and economic viability of Ferris wheel wind turbine for low wind speed regions in Africa

“…where 𝚪(x) is the gamma function and is given by Equation ( 5) [34] ∞ ∫ 0 e −1 t x−1 dt (5) and can be estimated using Equation (6) [34]…”

“…The most important one is that the auto‐pitching and self‐twisting blades maintain their leading edges at an optimal angle of attack to achieve maximum lift. Furthermore, it generates less noise, is safer for birds and bats, and can be built with local materials less expensively [5].…”

“…A new type of wind turbine technology-the Ferris wheel wind turbine technology (FWT) is presented as an example of a technology that may be appropriate for Africa's wind resources. The optimization tool is used to investigate the suitability and viability of the FWT application for low wind speed areas [5] of Africa, to maximize energy production and minimize cost [6].…”

“…Adeyeye et al studied the feasibility of the FWT as a low-speed wind turbine for low wind speed applications in Africa using the annual wind speed and the Weibull wind distribution of the African cities of interest [21]. The authors also investigated the multi-parameter optimization using an 800-kW FWT as a case study and focused on the effect of changing the rim diameter and the number of blades on the power output, efficiency, mass, and capital cost of acquisition of the wind turbines [5].…”

A Preliminary Feasibility Study on Wind Resource and Assessment of a Novel Low Speed Wind Turbine for Application in Africa

“…As the wind passes over a BWT design, its novel air-foil blades are designed to automatically change pitch to maintain an optimal angle of attack to the wind [29]. In addition, it generates less sound, is safer for birds and bats, and can be constructed using locally available materials [28].…”