Experimental analysis of a novel horizontal wind turbine

Abstract This study presents the design, numerical analysis and experimental evaluation of a novel horizontal‐axis cross‐flow wind turbine with a diffuser structure, developed for rooftop hybrid photovoltaic–wind energy systems. The proposed turbine aims to improve performance under low and highly variable wind conditions typical of urban environments. Computational fluid dynamics analyses were conducted to optimize rotor and diffuser parameters, leading to the selection of a 16‐blade rotor with a 15° blade inclination and a diffuser outlet‐to‐inlet area ratio of 1.6. On‐vehicle tests were conducted under unloaded conditions to establish the relationship between wind velocity and rotor rotational speed, while the generator's electrical performance was independently characterized in laboratory tests at controlled rotational speeds. The two datasets were correlated through rotor rotational speed to determine the corresponding electrical output under the tested wind conditions. The results demonstrate self‐starting was observed at wind speeds below 4 m/s and a nearly linear increase in rotational speed within the 6–14 m/s range. Stable mechanical behavior without significant vibration was observed during operation. The findings indicate that diffuser‐assisted cross‐flow wind turbines represent a compact, robust, and efficient solution for hybrid rooftop energy applications, offering a promising alternative to conventional small‐scale wind turbines.