Design, Simulation and Construction of a Savonius Wind Rotor for Subsidized Houses in Mexico☆

Abstract In this work a detailed study of Savonius wind rotor was investigated in order to obtain the optimal characteristics. The designed Savonius wind rotor assembly was developed on CAD software. Simulations of the interaction between the flow of air and blades were developed through finite element analysis. A result of these simulations shows the velocity distribution of the profile blades. In the same way, it was obtained the profile pressure due the velocities profiles. The formations of vortices were studied with the finality to improve the performance of the Savonius rotor. Blades with different geometry and gap distance between the blades were simulated, the results shown better geometry for the blade and gap distance between blades that improved the power coefficient (Cp) of the Savonius rotor. Simulations results show that the geometry and gap distance of the blades increases the Cp about 20%. Through gap distance between the blades, the wind was directed to the surface of following blade to induce its rotation. An air deflector was located front the Savonius rotor to increase and guide the flow of air to the blades. The deflector increased the velocity of the Savonius rotor up to 32%. From the simulation results it was built a prototype Savonius wind rotor at scale 2:1 according to simulation done; field tests will be performed to check the amount of energy obtained with the changes implemented.