Session: 10-03: Alternative Energy Conversion Technology (including Wind, Geothermal, Hydro, and Ocean)

Paper Number: 130446

130446 - Design and Build a Small Wind Turbine for Common Urban Sites Application 

Abstract: 

In the modern quest for sustainable and renewable energy sources, the potential for wind energy in urban environments remains largely untapped. This paper presents a comprehensive study and practical application titled "Design and Build a Small Wind Turbine for Common Urban Sites Application," aiming to bridge this gap. The project's core objective is to develop an efficient, compact, and aesthetically pleasing wind turbine suited for common urban settings such as residential areas, parks, and small businesses.

Urban areas pose unique challenges for wind energy utilization, including space constraints, varying wind patterns due to buildings, and noise considerations. Our design approach focuses on addressing these challenges while maximizing energy output. 

The turbine's compact design enables installation in a variety of urban spaces, including street light posts without significant alterations to existing structures. The rotor's size and blade design are optimized for low to medium wind speeds, typical in urban environments, ensuring consistent performance. Additionally, the turbine's aesthetic appeal is considered, ensuring it blends seamlessly into urban landscapes, which is crucial for community acceptance.

Our research includes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to optimize the blade design and wind flow analysis. Prototyping and field tests are conducted in multiple urban settings to assess performance in real-world conditions. The potential data collected from these tests could provide valuable insights into the turbine's operational efficiency, power output, and environmental impacts.

Sustainability is a critical aspect of the project, and the turbine's construction involves eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes. The turbine's life cycle analysis demonstrates its minimal environmental impact compared to traditional energy sources, aligning with the goals of sustainable urban development.

Moreover, this project explores the economic feasibility of small-scale urban wind turbines. A cost-benefit analysis, considering installation, maintenance, and operational costs against energy savings and potential incentives, reveals the turbine's viability as a renewable energy solution for urban dwellers and businesses.

The paper also addresses the regulatory and social challenges requirements of implementing wind energy solutions in urban areas. It provides a framework for navigating zoning laws, safety standards, and community engagement processes essential for the successful integration of wind energy infrastructure in cities.

In conclusion, the "Design and Build a Small Wind Turbine for Common Urban Sites Application" project represents a significant step forward in urban renewable energy solutions. By combining innovative design, sustainability, and practical feasibility, this small wind turbine model paves the way for more widespread adoption of wind energy in urban landscapes, contributing to the global transition towards cleaner, renewable energy sources.

This project was a Capstone project topic for graduating students in B.Eng. mechanical engineering program at BCIT.

Presenting Author: Mehrzad Tabatabaian BCIT (British Columbia of Technology)

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Mehrzad Tabatabaian is a faculty member at the Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Energy at BCIT. He has several years of teaching and industry experience. Dr. Tabatabaian is currently Chair of the BCIT School of Energy Research Committee. He has published several papers in scientific journals and conferences including IMECE 2023, and he has written textbooks on Multiphysics and turbulent flow modelling, advanced thermodynamics, tensor analysis, direct energy conversion, Bond Graph modelling method, and calculus mathematics. He holds several registered patents in the energy field resulted from years of research activities.
Dr. Tabatabaian volunteered to help establish the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Division (EERED), a new division at Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC).
Mehrzad Tabatabaian received his BEng from Sharif University of Technology (former AUT) and advanced degrees from McGill University (MEng and PhD). He has been an active academic, professor, and engineer in leading alternative energy, oil, and gas industries. Mehrzad has also a Leadership Certificate from the University of Alberta and holds an EGBC P.Eng. License.

Authors:

Mehrzad Tabatabaian BCIT (British Columbia of Technology)
Nika Vysotskaia BCIT
Kamal Panfer BCIT
Quan Trinh BCIT