Improving Performance of Small Wind Turbine by Diffuser Augmented

Abstract

The idea of using clean energy from unnatural wind resources is presented in this paper. Exhaust fan wind energy can be utilized to generate electrical energy through a small wind turbine. The potential is substantial as exhaust fans are widely used in the industry. The diffuse wind characteristics and medium to low speed of the exhaust fan require optimization to achieve maximum wind energy conversion. One optimization method involves adding a diffuser to enhance the wind turbine's performance by concentrating the wind around the rotor. The performance of the wind turbine and its influence on exhaust fan power consumption are investigated. The diffuser design follows the method developed by Yuji Ohya and Takashi Karasudani, involving a modification to the inlet angle. Simulation results demonstrate that the optimal inlet angle is 15 degrees.  The optimal location on the wind turbine is 20 cm from the exhaust fan which produces the highest energy harvest. The addition of diffuser can increase turbine power bay 63.06%.