Application of Horizontal Wind Turbines as Alternative Energy Harvester for Street Lighting

This study explores the development and evaluation of a horizontal axis wind turbine system as an alternative energy source for street lighting applications. The system comprises a wind-driven DC generator, a battery (accumulator) for energy storage, and an inverter to convert DC to AC power for lighting use. Three main performance tests were conducted: generator voltage testing, battery charging analysis, and battery discharge under lighting load. Generator testing revealed that output voltage varied with wind velocity, reaching a peak of 22.57 V at 14:00, indicating optimal turbine performance during high wind periods. The charging test demonstrated effective voltage transfer to the battery, with voltage increasing from a low state of charge to a full 12.64 V over a 6.5-hour period. The charging current and power also showed consistent growth, confirming efficient energy storage. During the load test, the battery successfully powered a streetlamp for approximately 5 hours, maintaining a voltage range between 12.64 V and 10.97 V. The system delivered an average power output of 3.20 W and light intensity of 1150 lux. The use of LTC3780 and XH-M604 control modules proved effective in stabilizing voltage input and managing battery charge cycles to prevent overcharging or deep discharge, thereby improving system reliability and battery lifespan. Overall, the results confirm that a horizontal wind turbine system can be effectively utilized for street lighting, especially in remote or off-grid areas, contributing to the development of sustainable and independent energy infrastructure.