Optimization of a Savonius rotor vertical-axis wind turbine for use in water pumping systems in rural Honduras

Author(s)
Zingman, Aron (Aron Olesen)
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.
Advisor
Daniel Frey.
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M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission. http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/40927 http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582
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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).
 
Date issued
2007
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/40927
Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Mechanical Engineering.
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