Paper Contents
Abstract
ABSTRACT This paper analyses the wind speed in San, Isidro, Bacolor Megadike Access Road. Also, the feasibility study of implementing wind turbines to take advantage of wind powered roadway lighting is reviewed and then the subject of wind speed and wind potential at different stations is considered. This energy can be harvested using vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT). This paper utilized wind speed data over a period of 2 months between January to February from 3 locations, the first location has a plus code of 2JHX+77H. The location one is located across the San Isidro approach and has an open area where no trees can obstruct the wind. Location two has a plus code of 2JGX+XFW and is 100 meters apart from the location one. The third location has a plus code of 2JGX+MMW, to assess the wind power potential at these sites. In this paper, the hourly measured wind speed data at 3 meters, 5 meters and 8 meters height for San, Isidro, Bacolor Megadike Access Road have been constantly analysed to determine the potential of wind power generation. The results showed that most of the locations have an average wind speed of 5.83 ms and 6.83 ms which is considered as acceptable for installation of wind turbines. Location 1 has higher wind energy potential with January and February wind speed average of 6.83 ms, at height of 8 meters above ground level. This site is a good candidate for remote area wind energy applications. This work presents a study of using a H Darrieus VAWT specially designed for applications where less power is needed. The designed turbine has a power output of 636.064W, a torque value of 88.797 N.m, and a tip speed ratio (TSR) of 1.2699. The findings of this feasibility study will provide valuable insights into the viability of wind energy harvesting for sustainable roadway lighting in San Isidro, Bacolor. Megadike Access Road.1. INTRODUCTION Wind energy harvesting for electricity generation, which was initially introduced in 1970, has become increasingly popular as the world shifts towards a carbon neutral renewable energy focus. Wind energy plays a crucial role in addressing the issues related to the depletion of fossil fuels and the environmental problems they cause. It also helps meet the increasing energy demand resulting from population growth, economic development, urbanization, changes in lifestyles, and technological advancements. 1,21.1 Wind TurbineThe rotor blades of a wind turbine, which function similarly to an airplane wing or a helicopter rotor blade, use aerodynamic force to convert wind energy into electrical power. The air pressure on one side of the blade drops as the wind blows across it. Both lift and drag are produced by the difference in air pressure on the two sides of the blade. The rotor rotates because the lift force is greater than the drag force. If the turbine is direct drive, the rotor is connected to the generator directly; otherwise, it is connected through a gearbox, which consists of a shaft and a set of gears that accelerate rotation and enable a smaller generator. Electricity is produced by this conversion of aerodynamic force to generator rotation. 3 Advancements in wind turbine technology continually enhance their efficiency, reduce noise levels, and enable them to harness energy from a broader spectrum of wind velocities. Wind power currently constitutes a significant proportion of the global energy blend and is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stopping climate change. Due to its renewable nature, wind energy is being heavily invested in by numerous countries, with continuous advancements in technology to cater to the growing global energy demand. 1.1.1 Horizontal Axis and Vertical Axis Wind TurbinesThe Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) is the prevailing configuration for turbines. The propellers and turbine mechanisms are elevated on a massive pedestal, situated well above the ground. Whether they improve the landscape is subjective and depends on personal preference. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that the elevated positioning of their mechanisms poses a drawback when maintenance is necessary. In addition, a mechanical yaw system is necessary to align them so that their horizontal axis is at a right angle to the wind and facing it directly. The potential power generation is directly proportional to the swept area (diameter) of the rotor. Therefore, a larger diameter is necessary to generate more power. The blades endure significant thrust and torque forces; thus, their size is constrained by the strength of the blades 4Figure 1 displays multiple conventional vertical-axis wind turbines. The vertical-axis wind turbines rotate around their vertical axes, which are perpendicular to the ground. One notable benefit of vertical-axis wind turbines is their ability to harness wind from any direction, eliminating the need for yaw control. By allowing the wind generator, gearbox, and other primary turbine components to be installed on the ground, the design and construction of the wind tower are significantly simplified, resulting in a reduction in the cost of the turbine. Nevertheless, vertical-axis wind turbines require an external energy source to initiate the rotation of the blades. The wind turbine's axis is supported solely at one end on the ground, which imposes a practical height limitation. 5.Figure 1: Different types of vertical axis wind turbine1.1.2 Vertical Axis Wind TurbinesVAWTs exhibit a diverse array of physical structures and possess intricate aerodynamic properties. Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) were not only the initial wind turbines to be created, but they have also been constructed and operated on a scale comparable to some of the largest wind turbines ever manufactured. Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have the potential to achieve coefficients of performance (Cp max) that are similar to those of horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs). Additionally, VAWTs possess several notable advantages over HAWTs.One advantage of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) is their ability to accept wind from any direction due to their cross-flow design. Therefore, in theory, they do not require a yaw mechanism to ensure their alignment with the wind, unlike horizontal axis machines. Another significant benefit is the ability to directly connect the mechanical load to the VAWT rotor shaft, which can be positioned at ground level. This eliminates the necessity of a large tower to bear the load of equipment such as the gearbox, generator, and yaw mechanism. Small-scale turbines do not require slip rings or flexible cables to connect the generator to the load, eliminating the need for such components. 1.1.3 VAWT TypesOver the past few decades, numerous types of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) have been suggested, and several comprehensive bibliographies have been released that provide an overview of the research and progress made in developing these devices. One notable survey on VAWTs is the one conducted by Abramovich 6.1.1.3.1 Savonius TurbinesThe Savonius turbine has gained popularity among wind turbine developers, both professional and amateur, due to its straightforward and sturdy design. Several iterations of the Savonius rotor have been devised and evaluated. Nevertheless, the Savonius turbine has not been utilized for large-scale electricity generation due to its inherently high solidity and consequent high mass.The Savonius rotor is mainly a device that generates drag, but it also benefits from improved performance due to the airflow across each vane and the interaction between the two halves of the rotor. All drag machines possess a low operating tip speed ratio. Devices with higher tip speeds are more suitable for electricity generation compared to this one. This is because a high shaft speed is generally preferred to reduce the need for a high step-up ratio in the gearbox that connects the rotor to a conventional electrical generator.1.1.3.2 Darrieus Turbines The invention of Darrieus in 1931 7, which involved a rotor with a high tip speed ratio, created new possibilities for VAWTs in terms of generating electricity. Darrieus made a significant advancement by finding a way to increase the speed of the blades in a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) beyond the speed of the wind. This allowed for the use of lift forces to greatly enhance the performance of VAWTs, surpassing previous designs that relied mainly on drag. Darrieus also anticipated numerous realizations of his fundamental concept that would be tested on a large scale many decades later. These included the utilization of both curved-blade, as depicted in figure 1.2, and straight blade variations of his rotor. In addition, he suggested potential strategies for actively managing the pitch of the blades in relation to the entire rotor, with the aim of maximizing the wind's angle of attack on each blade as it moves around the circumference of the rotor.1.1.3.3 Straight-blade VAWTSThe name Darrieus is commonly linked to the variant of Darrieuspatent that features curved blades. Considerable effort over the last thirty years has been dedicated to the advancement and examination of the straight blade iteration of his initial creation, commonly referred to as the H-VAWT due to the shape of its blades and supporting spars. The Darrieus family of turbines is known for having a restricted ability to start on their own due to inadequate torque to overcome initial friction. This is mainly due to the fact that at low rotational speeds, the lift forces on the blades are minimal. This is especially true for two-bladed machines, where the torque generated by each stationary blade during start-up is almost identical, regardless of the rotor's azimuth angle in relation to the direction of the incoming wind. In addition, the blades of a Darrieus rotor experience a condition called stall at low tip speed ratios for most azimuth angles. Consequently, in order for the rotor to gain speed in a specific wind velocity, it is typically necessary to operate large commercial machines at a sufficiently high tip speed. 8The self-starting capability of a rotor can be improved by implementing various strategies such as: increasing the solidity of the blades; using an odd number of blades; incorporating a blade pitch mechanism; and utilizing blades that are skewed, causing the blade azimuth angle to vary with axial distance along the rotor. Hill has recently reported a study on the self-starting characteristics of small Darrieus machines. 9The quantity of blades directly impacts the smoothness of rotor operation by providing the ability to counteract cyclic aerodynamic loads. The rotor torque fluctuation was higher for turbines with an even number of blades, such as two blades, compared to turbines with an odd number of blades, such as a three-blade turbine. This behavior could provide a significant benefit for three-bladed small VAWT architectures, where the higher costs of manufacturing and installation are less significant compared to larger rotors. 21Amidst a period characterized by the rise of cities and a greater dependence on renewable energy, there is a critical demand for creative approaches to improve road safety and advance sustainability. Highways, functioning as the primary means of transportation, frequently experience accidents, especially in situations with limited visibility. 10 The incidence of road accidents in the Philippines is experiencing a significant and swift rise. Road accidents in the Philippines commonly occur as a result of specific factors, including exceeding the speed limit through reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, and using a phone while driving. Furthermore, an additional significant factor contributing to these road accidents is the absence of streetlights, resulting in poorly illuminated streets during nighttime. A significant proportion of nocturnal road accidents are attributed to limited visibility, inadequate streetlight design, or the absence of streetlights. According to global road crash statistics, approximately 3000 fatalities occur daily, resulting in a total of 1.3 million casualties from car accidents each year 11. Due to the absence of streetlights in the current environment of Mega Dike, Bacolor Pampanga, drivers face an increased risk while driving, particularly at night. Nocturnal driving poses significant risks and presents more demanding circumstances for the majority of motorists. The nocturnal fatality rates are threefold higher than the diurnal fatality rates 12. Mega Dike Road is a high-risk area for accidents, particularly at night, because it lacks streetlights. According to SunStar's report from 2014, a collision occurred between a motorcycle and a sports utility vehicle on the Eastern Mega Dike route in Barangay San Isidro, Bacolor, Pampanga. This accident resulted in the fatalities of both drivers and injuries to one passenger 13. In 2017, a car accident occurred on Mega Dike Road, resulting in injuries to three passengers and the death of a Central Luzon police officer 14. Road lighting is crucial for road users, as it helps illuminate dark areas and enhances safety while driving. It also facilitates efficient transportation by ensuring timely visibility 15. Utilizing wind energy potential for sustainable roadway lighting is a significant step towards a safer and more energy-efficient future for the current generation. This innovative initiative seeks to transform conventional road lighting systems by utilizing the potential of wind energy, an inexhaustible and eco-friendly power source. Wind energy production can be sporadic due to its reliance on the presence of wind. The presence of substantial turbulence and the inherent difficulties in accurately forecasting wind speed pose considerable obstacles to wind harvesting 16.The primary goal of this research is to assess the feasibility of the wind energy harvesting potential in San Isidro, Bacolor, Mega dike Access Road for sustainable roadway lighting. Additionally, the study seeks to accomplish the following objectives: to conduct a site suitability analysis to identify the locations for installing vertical axis wind turbines along the roadway for energy harvesting, and to evaluate the potential energy output of the wind turbines based on the assessed wind energy.
Copyright
Copyright © 2024 Louise Anthony Apostol. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
