WiscWind Turbine Structure and Mechanical Systems
Problem statement
Imagine losing your home to global warming. This is what the inhabitants of Tuvalu are experiencing. Tuvalu is a small island nation centered in the Pacific Ocean, and it includes nine coral atolls and islands. With a population of just over 11,000, Tuvalu is revered for its untouched landscapes and clear blue waters, embodying a unique and peaceful charm. However, the rise of sea level caused by global warming is greatly threatening this beautiful island nation, as it is sinking on average of 0.7 feet per year based on the estimation from The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) [1].
Global warming is caused in part, by the use of fossil fuels. Instead of our reliance on this type of energy, we need renewable energy sources and the wind industry plays a crucial role in meeting the national climate objective goal of net zero carbon emissions. The WiscWind club is thus competing in the Collegiate Wind Competition, where their innovative design has the potential to be used as the next generation of wind energy modeling for floating offshore wind. However, the club’s student lead faces a challenge of designing an efficient and effective wind turbine. Some problems that they faced with previous designs were electrical issues with two actuators, severe bending moments problems with one actuator and pitch control problems leading to too large of a pitch angle [2].
To address these challenges, we propose redesigning the pitch control system by reducing the radius of the transfer strut to aid in decreasing the pitch angle. The intention of this change is to optimize the aerodynamic performance of the turbine blades and to enhance power output at low wind speeds. Additionally, we are planning on using a single actuator system with modifications to the bearing block to mitigate the bending issue and increase turbine performance and longevity. By sacrificing the simplicity of the dual actuator system, we reduce electrical power demand while maintaining the same pitch control system.
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, more than 500 U.S. manufacturing facilities specialize in wind turbine components and assembly. Increase in demand for wind energy has led to continuous innovation in wind turbine design and production [3]. By addressing these issues that our client has brought to our attention, we can help in developing the next generation wind turbine that provides affordable wind energy for communities around the country.
[1] G. Prete, “Tuvalu: Why Is the Small Island Nation Sinking? | Earth.org,” Earth.org, Jan.
29, 2024. https://earth.org/tuvalus-sinking-reality-how-climate-change-is-threatening-a-small-
island-nation/# :~: text=Tuvalu%E2%80%99s%20vulnerability%20to%20climate%20change
(accessed Sep. 20, 2024).
[2]Wisc Wind and J. Delgado, “Turbine Technical Design Report,” 2024. Accessed: Sep. 11,
2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.energy.gov/eere/collegiatewindcompetition/past-
collegiate-wind-competitions
[3] Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Wind Manufacturing and Supply
Chain,” Energy.gov. https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/wind-manufacturing-and-supply-chain
(accessed Sep. 19, 2024).
Team members
Josie Kiehn – facilitator
Raymond Cao – communicator
Muhaiminul Nafi – accountant
Tai Pritts – admin
Client
Scott P. Williams
Wisconsin Energy Institute