Design and field testing Savonius wind pump in East Africa
Abstract
We present here improvements in the wind-scoop geometry and efficiency of a doublestark
Savonius rotor, developed through a series of wind tunnel and field testing in East
Africa. On an aerodynamic performance basis, the Savonius rotor cannot generally compete
with other types of wind turbines. This is entirely due to its mode of operation.
Unlike its counter-parts that operate by rotating around a horizontal axis, it rotates
around a vertical axis. This has the unfortunate effect of lowering its efficiency, but it
has several compensating factors. Its main advantages are that it has better starting
torque performance with operating characteristics independent of the wind direction. In
addition, it is simple in structure and the fabrication technology required is less sophisticated
when compared to similar types of windmills. This makes it a suitable system for
small scale applications in wind energy conversion; especially in remote rural regions in
developing countrie
Citation
Rabah, K. V. O., & Osawa, B. M. (1996). Design and field testing Savonius wind pump in East Africa. International journal of ambient energy, 17(2), 89-94.Publisher
University of Nairobi