Blade Configuration Optimization and Performance Characteristics of a Simple Savonius Rotor

Abstract

The generation of low cost power in rural areas of the third world can be aided by using 44 gallon (210 litre) oil drums cut longitudinally in half and each half mounted on a vertical rotating shaft in the form of a Savonius rotor. This paper describes wind tunnel tests carried out on a model of such a rotor to determine the positioning of the two blades for maximum power output. For the optimum blade configuration the power and performance coefficients are determined and comparisons with the results of previous work are made. The results show that for maximum power output blade overlap is required along with negative blade separation, a finding which has not previously been reported.