A novel origami inspired single rotor horizontal axis wind turbine

While several distinct vertical axis wind turbines with low power performance exist for integration in buildings, implementing micro horizontal axis wind turbines in buildings poses challenges due to their visual impacts, noise levels, and risks to flying birds. In this work, seven novel origami rotor designs featuring four internal tubular nozzle shapes and varying inlet/outlet aspect ratios are manufactured using 3D printing and tested in a subsonic wind tunnel under three scenarios: Without a micro-3-phase electric generator, with the generator but no load, and with both generator and a load, across wind speeds ranging from 3.5 m/s to 25 m/s. Results indicate that the designs with an aspect ratio below 3 perform well. Cut-in speeds of 3.5 m/s and 8 m/s are achieved with and without the electric generator, respectively. The rotation speeds range from 25 rpm to 3300 rpm. A maximum voltage of 27.6 V is recorded without load and the maximum power coefficient of 0.0168 is achieved at the tip speed ratio of 0.44 for a micro turbine with a 10 cm diameter. This research further elaborates on the characteristics of the different rotor designs, discusses their respective advantages and shortcomings, and outlines plans for future modification.