Problem Description

This article describes the performance of a novel vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). The Zephyr VAWT has a patented stator cage that can increase the turbine’s performance through the creation of low-pressure vortices. The patented features of the turbine allow it to perform in both low-wind and high-turbulence conditions; however, a relatively low maximum efficiency is exhibited by the current prototype design. A problem arises when incoming air is diverted away from the convex sides of the rotors, reducing opposing forces to the direction of rotation; however, the solidity (blockage) is increased, reducing the overall flow through the turbine.

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