Capitalizing on the benefits of vertical-axis wind turbines for remote communities

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The proposal aims to capitalize on the benefits of Darrieus-type vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) for remote communities. Remote off-grid communities need a reliable, renewable source of energy to reduce their considerable reliance on diesel. In particular, Northern Canada has excellent wind speed opportunities over the fall and winter (Canada Wind Energy Map). Wind energy is a viable solution, and VAWTs are an ideal choice for generating power from wind in built environments. They are omnidirectional and can generate power even if the wind direction is highly variable, without needing a yaw mechanism. Thus, they have less mechanical complexity and incur lower capital and maintenance costs, ideal in remote communities. They are also less noisy compared to conventional horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs). Moreover, VAWTs have a smaller footprint compared to HAWTs since they can be clustered more densely due to their faster wake recovery. They have a lower center of gravity compared to HAWTs since the gearbox and generator are installed on the ground. This makes VAWTs simpler and cheaper for installation. This project primarily aims to demonstrate high energy output of small-scale VAWTs integrated into built environment with a particular focus on installations in Québec's remote communities. Through numerical and wind tunnel experimental studies, we will examine the viability of some novel concepts, such as synthetic jet flow, and blade morphing for enhancing the self-starting capability, mitigating dynamic stall, and minimizing ice accretion over the blades. Numerical and field studies will also be conducted on the optimal placement of a turbine on the building to achieve the maximum power output.