Wind Energy Conversion: The Potential of a Novel Ducted Turbine for Residential and Commercial Applications

Abstract

A novel ducted turbine, referred to as a Wind Tower, for capturing wind power in either residential or commercial scale applications is studied theoretically and experimentally. A mathematical model is developed to predict the flow behavior inside the tower and a velocity coefficient is defined to correct the results at different test conditions. A wind tower prototype, including a four-quadrant-peak wind-catcher rooftop, a tower, a nozzle, and a turbine, is designed and fabricated. The captured wind power values from the mathematical model and the preliminary experimental tests are compared. While the mathematical model provides a good estimation of the output power in some cases, more precise experimental tests and simulation techniques are required to improve the mathematical model in some other cases. Significant changes in the output wind speed due to pressure differences created by the surrounding environment, the tower height, and the number of nozzles are observed. The advantages of being maintenance free, reliable, and sustainable, together with its special design that eliminates bird/bat mortality make the Wind Tower a promising solution for residential, commercial, and even off-grid applications.