Decreasing Wear of Large Vertical Axis Wind Turbines by Employing a Multi-Level Turbine Concept

Abstract

The chapter focuses on describing the author's own multi-level vertical axis wind turbine concept, putting emphasis on its specific features, the scope of conducted analyses, as well as general knowledge important to wind industry specialists, other people with an interest in wind energy, and engineers aspiring to achieve innovative results without needlessly complicating their design. Current results show a reduction of the maximum bending moment during a rotation at the bottom of a two level turbine of up to 19.7% after optimisation; at the same time an optimised turbine can achieve a reduction of maximum moment jump during a rotation at the bottom of a turbine of up to 73.4%. Further studies are currently being conducted, as both the study presented in this chapter and its continuations might have a definitive influence on the future development of the wind-energy sector.