Optimization of a Savonius rotor vertical-axis wind turbine for use in water pumping systems in rural Honduras
Name
212409044-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
3.89 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
53ae7171337370a9410057e2242dc3fe
Author(s)
Zingman, Aron (Aron Olesen)
Advisor(s)
Daniel Frey.
Date Issued
2007
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
The D-lab Honduras team designed and constructed a wind-powered water pump in rural Honduras during IAP 2007. Currently, the system does not work under its own power and water must be pumped by hand. This thesis seeks to explore a variety of mechanism and aerodynamic changes to allow the system to function as designed. The novel modifications to the Savonius rotor that were made do not seem to improve its performance. Within the constraints of the installed components, the current rotor should perform well pending other changes. The most promising improvements to the system are weight reducing and friction reducing measures, and in combination with understanding the wind conditions in the immediate vicinity of the rotor, changes will be made this summer so that unassisted wind pumping will be possible.
Description
Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2007.
This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 26).
Subjects
Mechanical Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
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