This publication presents the design, construction and preliminary performance evaluation of a portable mini vertical axis wind turbine developed using locally available materials. The project was motivated by the continuous rise in the cost of fuels in Nigeria and the growing national and global quest for renewable and sustainable energy sources. The system employs a vertical rotor mounted on a plywood structural frame shaped as a compact enclosure, with mechanical power transmission achieved through a bicycle wheel used as a pulley. Electrical energy conversion is performed using a car alternator coupled to a battery storage system through a charge controller and inverter. The aim of this research is to demonstrate a simple and affordable renewable energy solution suitable for small-scale off-grid power generation, particularly in developing regions. Basic engineering calculations are provided to estimate wind power capture, mechanical transmission ratio and expected electrical output. Results indicate that the prototype can generate useful electrical energy at low wind speeds, making it suitable for rural and urban applications.
Ahmed et al. (Fri,) studied this question.