Power Generation Using

Vertical-axis, Bamboo-bladed
Savonius Windmill for
Potential Farm use

DELA VEGA, LOUELLE JAY

FABELLA, DANIELLE CEZARRA N.
FETIZANAN,KLEINARD DONN F.
GARACHICO,GEZEL M.
MARINO,AUDREY SHANE M.

ROMBLON STATE UNIVERSITY

2023-2024
 ABSTRACT

The Bamboo-bladed Savonius Windmill will harness the power of the

wind using electric generators run by Savonius rotor-windmills. This vertical
axis windmills will have its curved blades or vanes replaced by bamboo culms
halved and mounted on a vertical shaft. The use of bamboo will replace the
tulip-shaped or leaf-shaped plastic vanes commonly seen in wind trees and
singular installations of the Savonius-type rotor. As the material is naturally-
occurring, mass production of these windmill may be easily made. Power
generation quantification will be the object of this study and the cost benefit-
ratio will be established in these types of power generators. The project will
harness the power of monsoon winds that is so distinct in the shorelines of
Romblon. Tablas Island in Romblon is currently run by a combination of
7.5MWp solar energy project and 8.8 MW diesel generators (Balubay,
2019).Energy generated by the system will be used for potential farm use.
 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Various levels of society need electrical energy. A power generation

system can generate this electrical energy. However, most of the fuel to
generate electricity still uses fossil fuels which are non-renewable fuels.
Besides the long term impact of using fossil energy is global warming,
alternative energy sources are needed (D.Gielen et.al, And K. Handayani
et.al,2019). In response to these challenges, the integration of renewable
energy sources, such as wind power, into potential farm use has gain
significant attention.
Wind trees were recently develop using Savonius rotor blades made of
plastic.Owing to the natural curvature of the bamboo culm when halved, it
could be used to make the Savonius rotor blade to catch the wind and rotate
the windmill axis. The use of bamboo could reduce the carbon footprint as
bamboo is a renewable resource; its plantation a carbon sink. In the present
investigation, bamboo strips, a local raw material, have replace for the blades.
The choice of the material was obviously crucial. Different criteria were
considered for this choice: low price,ease of fabrication, low weight and good
rigidity. The use of plastics for the blades will be prevented. The massive
character of the bamboo also conserves angular momentum like in a flywheel
thus generating higher torque and much power in turn.
In addition, the Savonius rotor is a unique fluid machine that has been
studied in many numerous investigators since 1920s The Savonius wind
turbine, known for its simplicity and ability to operate in low wind conditions,
offers a promising solution for harnessing wind energy for potential farm use.
Unlike horinzontal-axis wind turbines, the vertical-axis Savonius design is
well suited for low wind speed,making it a viable option for regions with
intermittent or low wind patterns.
The development of a vertical-axis Savonius windmill specifically holds
great potential to address the energy needs of farm use. This research seeks
to explore the technical feasibility,efficiency and practicality of utilizing such
windmill for potential farm use. By doing so, it aims to contribute to
sustainable agriculture practices, reduce dependency on non-renewable
energy sources, and mitigate environmental impacts associated with farm
operation.
Romblon is archipelagic in nature and its long shorelines are ideal for
catching wind. The wind trees may be located in these shorelines to generate
the power that may be stored in batteries and used for lighting purposes and
other energy uses like water lifting, industrial applications and farm use. If
widely used in the islands, these wind trees may be able to generate large
savings in terms of power generation costs.It may also provide equitable
distribution of power to all sectors and even in hard to reach areas(Balibay.
2019).

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Several researchers have conducted experimental studies by

Modifying the standard design. The improvements started from changing the
shape of the blades to adding several components, and several modifications
were made to increase the angular speed and maximum torque that the
Savonius turbine could produce.During its development, the Savonius turbine
underwent many changes in the shape of the blades. One of the parameters
that significantly effect the Savonius-type wind turbine’s total performance is
the blade’s shape or design. In general, the forms that have been research
and use to date are:Semi-circular,Helical and Twisted ( Herman Nawir, et
al.2023).
Another variation in the design has the tulip-shaped, vertical axis rotor.
This flower design is an innovation in aesthetics and functionality. The same
wind turbine operates under very low wind conditions and are used to charge
12-volt batteries. The Savonius principle is still used in the design. A
standard 1.15m high wind turbine costs $1,330 with variations in price
depending on some customization (Flower Turbines, 2022).
The downside of the two designs is the use of plastic in a greater
percentage of its components. Plastics come from fossil fuels and are non-
renewable. Plastics when destroyed become part of the garbage problem.
There is thus an impetus in the use of alternative materials like bamboo. This
research proposal will be that end in mind.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Energy generated from windmill is dependent on the rotating speed of

turbine driven by the wind as its energy source. The stronger the wind, the
faster the turbine rotates, and the great mechanical energy produce. On the
other hand, low wind speed gives lower energy. Installing horizontal-axis
windmill on a site, it must need a great source of wind energy to generate
electricity. This is the main reason why we often see a windmill in regions
with inconsistent wind pattern. The researchers then thought of making it
possible through vertical-axis savonius windmill which operates in lower wind
speeds.
This study aims to dwell on power generation utilizing bamboo as a
component of Savonius rotor .Specifically, the research will;
1. Fabricate and develop power generation using vertical-axis with
bamboo bladed coated with resin Savonius rotors serving as the leaves
;
2. conduct power generation tests using the windmill situated in an ideal
and relevant locations;
3. evaluate the performance of windmill in terms of cost analysis, wind
efficiency, and the mechanical energy it produces over time;
4. store sustainable energy for potential farm use

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of the study lies in its potential to revolutionize farm

application of windmill by introducing a sustainable, efficient and
environmentally friendly energy source. It addresses pressing issues related
to agriculture, energy and the environment, with the potential benefit both
farmers and society at large.
1. Sustainable Agriculture. The research addresses the critical need for
sustainable agricultural practices. By developing a windmill for farm
application, it contributes in reducing the depency on fossil fuels and grid-
based electricity, thus promoting environmentally friendly farming methods.
The study aims to design a windmill that is in low price and easy to fabricate
to the farmers for them to save power generation cost.
2. Rural development. Access to cheaper electricity cost supplied by windmill
powered by wind energy can enhance the productivity of farms in rural
communities, particularly in areas with limited access to grid electricity. This
can lead to improve farm production and much affordable farm products. The
development of a specialized vertical-axis Savonius windmill for farm use
represents technological innovation. It could lead to the creation of a new
class of wind turbines tailored to specific applications, thereby advancing
wind energy technology.
3. Research and Education. The research contributes to the body of
knowledge in the field of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. It can
serve as a valuable resource for future studies and educational purposes.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS

The study may be limited by the seasonality of the monsoon winds and
the location of the direct beneficiaries. The units may be limited in use for up
to a maximum of 4 months depending on the location with reference to the
prevailing winds.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Wind energy - is a form of renewable energy that uses the kinetic energy of
air in motion to generate electricity.

Renewable energy - an energy produced from sources like the sun and wind
that are naturally replenished and do not run out.

Carbon footprint - a measure of carbon dioxide and other carbon emitted due
to the consumption of fossil fuels.

Windmill - a structure that converts wind power into rational energy using a
vanes or blades.

Rotor blade - the key component of wind turbine generator and converts the
energy of the wind into a mechanical useful form of energy.
Savonius Wind Turbine - a type of vertical-axis turbine, used for converting
the force of the wind into torque on a rotating shaft.

Vertical-axis wind turbine - a type of wind turbine where the main rotor shaft
is transverse to the wind while the main components are located at the base
of the turbine.

Horizontal-axis wind turbine - the most commonly used type of wind turbine.
They can be defined as the turbine in which the shaft of the rotor is in the
direction of the wind.

Theoretical framework
 Chapter II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Research Design

Review of Related Literature

There is a current shift in green renewable energy sources as the need

to clean up the environment and get rid of greenhouse gases is pressing.
Solar, wave, tide, hydro, and wind energy systems are being developed to
replace the energy from fossil fuels.Large wind turbines are now seen all
around the globe to harness the free energy generated by the wind. These
large systems, however, have high initial costs; though economic feasibility
comes with economy of scale.These large systems are also more difficult to
repair or replace whenever technical problems arise .Recently, some
companies have developed smaller versions of wind energy systems.The
wind trees developed and sold by New World Wind has the aeroleaf design
that resembles the shape of leaves of trees – thus the name “wind tree.”
These leaf wind turbines follow the principles of the vertical axis Savonius
rotors and are made of plastic.The aeroleaf’s cone shape allows it to catch
wind energy at 360°, and it only requires a wind speed of 2.5 meters per
second to initiate energy generation (New World Wind, 2022). More recent
designs incorporate solar panels in the branches of the trees to harness the
solar energy using photovoltaic cells.

Wind Turbines

Wind turbines produce electricity by using the power of the wind to

drive an electrical generator. Wind passes over the blades, generating lift and

exerting a turning force. The rotating blades turn a shaft inside the nacelle,

which goes into a gearbox. The gearbox increases the rotational speed to that

which is appropriate for the generator, which uses magnetic fields to convert

the rotational energy into electrical energy. The power output goes to a

transformer, which converts the electricity from the generator at around 700 V
to the appropriate voltage for the power collection system, typically 33 kV (Lu

and Zhou, 2018).

The most efficient way to convert wind energy into electrical or

mechanical energy is offered by wind turbines operate as a lifting device.

Wind turbines are classified into two categories according to the direction of

their rotational axis: Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) and Vertical-Axis

Wind Turbine (VAWT). Horizontal-axis wind turbines capture kinetic wind

energy with a propeller type rotor and their rotational axis is parallel to the

direction of the wind. Vertical-axis wind turbines are straight or curved bladed

rotors with rotating axes perpendicular to the wind stream (Paraschivoiu,

2012).

Using wind turbine as electricity generator has some advantages and

disadvantages. Some advantages of using wind turbines for electricity

generation are electricity without any pollution, fast installation and

commissioning, and also low expense for maintenance. Although electricity by

the wind turbine has some advantages, it has some disadvantages, too that

its main disadvantages is the temporary nature of wind flow. Therefore,

utilizing efficient equipment is necessary in order to get as much as energy

from wind during the limited period of time that it flows strongly (Aissaoui and

Tahour, 2016).

As evidence of climate mounts, the price of fossil fuels edge ever

higher, the rocketing demand for renewable energy shows no sign of waning.

As a result, wind energy is booming worldwide. Not since the heyday of the

American farm windmill has wind energy grown at such a dramatic pace

(Gipe, 2018).
Savonius Windmills

A number of attempts were made to design and construct large wind

turbines for utility use. The design centered on different concepts for capturing

wind energy: airfoil-shaped blades with horizontal or vertical rotor axes,

Magnus effect, and Savonius designs. A vertical axis presents no rotor

orientation problems from different wind directions (Nelson, 2013)

Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWT) have been studied by various

researchers using modern analysis techniques. Common example of these

vertical-axis wind turbines are the savonius turbines. If offers a mechanically

and structurally simple method of harnessing the wind energy. It has proven

to be one of the most efficient systems for wind energy conversion. Savonius

turbine is affixed-pitch vertical-axis turbine, and its simplicity is due to the

absence of the yawing mechanism and the positioning of the heavy

machinery directly on the ground (Paraschivoiu, 2012).

Vertical axis wind turbines (or VAWTs) have the main rotor shaft

arranged vertically. Key advantages of this arrangement are that the turbine

does not need to be pointed into the wind to be effective. This is an advantage

on sites where the wind direction is highly variable. VAWTs can utilize winds

from varying directions. With a vertical axis, the generator and gearbox can be

placed near the ground, so the tower doesn’t need to support it, and it is more

accessible for maintenance. Drawbacks are that some designs produce

pulsating torque. Drag may be created when the blade rotates into the wind. It

is difficult to mount vertical axis turbines on tower, meaning they are often

installed nearer to the base which they can rest, such as the ground or a

building rooftop. The wind speed is slower at a lower altitude, so less wind
energy is available for a given size turbine. Airflow near the ground and other

objects can create turbulent flow, which can introduce issues of vibration,

including noise and bearing wear which may increase the maintenance or

shorten the service of life (Bhatia, 2014).

Energy Produced by the Wind Turbines

Obtaining maximum energy production from a wind turbine depends on

various factors. These factors like the height of the wind turbine; wind turbine

blade’s sweep area and aerodynamic structure, air density and wind speed.

The most important ones of these factors are the height and the aerodynamic

structure of the wind turbine. The height of the wind turbine is important

because wind speed increases as we go away from the earth’s surface.

Aerodynamic structure of wind turbine is important because it can transform

maximum 59% of kinetic energy that wind has to useful energy (Bhatia, 2014).

Wind Energy

Wind has been used as a source of energy for more than 1500 years.

In times when other sources of energy represented a successful means for

industrial and economic development. Wind energy became a marginal

source once cheaper, easier to exploit and easily obtainable sources of

energy became available (Schaffarcyk, 2014).

From the view point of energy conversion, the most important

properties of the wind at a particular location are the velocity of the airstream

and the air density. The air density varies with the altitude and with

atmospheric conditions such as temperature, pressure, and humidity

(Shepherd and Zhang, 2017).

Farm Application of Windmills

People use wind energy for many reasons: economic, environmental,

and philosophical. The desire to make money−or saving it−is often sufficient

for plunging into wind energy. Historically, wind turbines have been used to

pump water or provide power at remote sites. This is still an important role

even today, especially in the developing world and for those in developed

countries who live “off the grid,” beyond the reach power lines (Gipe, 2018).

The use of wind as energy source begins in antiquity. Vertical axis

windmills for grinding grain were reported in Persia in the tenth century and in

China in the thirteenth. At one time, wind was a major source of energy for

transportation (sailboats), grinding grain, and pumping water. The main long-

term use of wind has been to pump water (Nelson, 2013).

Farm windmills were primarily factors that aided the settlement of the

Great Plains of the United States. From 1850 on, water pumping windmills

were manufactured in the tens of thousands. The early wood machines have

largely disappeared from the landscape except for a few in isolated

farmhouses and museums (Nelson, 2013).

The farm windmill proves that the wind energy is a valuable

commodity, even though the proportion of the energy market is small. For

example, an estimated 30,000 farm windmills operate in the Southern High

Plains of the United States. Even though their individual power output is low

(0.2 to 0.5 kW), they collectively provide an estimated output of 6 MW

(Nelson, 2013).

Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Composites

 It has already been established that as alternative to steel, bamboo

due to its low-cost, can be utilized as a reinforcement in concrete for building

construction. Budi et al. studied the flexural properties of V-notched bamboo

strip reinforced concrete beams. They used a specific bamboo for this

purpose known as Ori Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea). The result of the

flexural test several important findings. Both V-notched bamboo reinforced

beams and steel-reinforced beams exhibited flexural tension failure that was

evidenced from the vertical cracks originating from the tensile regions of the

concrete beam specimens. None of the beams specimens showed shear

failure, however (Jawaid et al., 2020)

Bamboo is one of the well-known and widespread plants all around the

globe. It is characterized by multifaceted merits such as high stiffness and

fiber strength, ease of processing, sustainable use of fibers, eco-friendliness

and rapid plant growing cycle. Bamboo fiber reinforced composites are

considered to possess enhanced environmental friendliness than any

synthetic fiber reinforced composites such as glass fiber reinforced

composites and they render less impact over the environment, same

performance for the similar fiber content and allowing reduced use of toxic

base polymers (Jawaid, et al., 2020).

Mechanical Properties of Bamboo

The mechanical characteristics of bamboo fiber reinforced polymer

depend upon the following factors: (i) fiber modulus and strength, (ii) chemical

stability, stiffness strength of the matrix material, (iii) extent of interfacial

bonding between bamboo fiber and its matrix at the time of transfer of stress

from to the other (Jawaid, et al., 2020).

 If the interfacial compatibility exists between matrix and bamboo fibers,

the even low volume fraction of bamboo fiber reinforced composites.

Interfacial bond, in turn, depends on the type of chemical treatment used and

the resulting structure of bamboo fiber after such chemical treatment (Wang et

al., 2018).

The tensile, flexural, compressive and shear strength of the bamboo

numdle reinforced phenol formaldehyde resin were done by varying the

density (800, 1000 and 1200 kg/m3) of the fiber for preparing the composites.

From the results it could be seen that the composites containing maximum

density bamboo fiber exhibited better mechanical properties due to the

collapse of parenchyma which contains thick lumen structures. This results in

solid state composite materials after since they are fabricated by hot pressing

method. The flexural behavior of outdoor bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy

composites by preparing the composites with four different densities were

evaluated. It is inferred that due to the variability in permeability of resin with

various regions of the outdoor bamboo fiber, majority of the failure zones had

fallen at fiber matrix interface. Hence, they concluded that when a composite

of much higher density was used for bending applications, internal stresses

developed would also be more within the composite (Chee, et al., 2018).
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