Publications Details

A Prototype Small Utility-Scale Joint Vertical Axis Wind Turbine and Solar Energy System (VAWT/SES) to Provide Water Pumping in Remote Areas of Uganda

Hernandez, Jacquelynne; Roberts-Baca, Samuel J.; Gurule, Gabriel G.

In the Republic of Uganda, it is estimated that nearly 28 million people lack access to clean and safe drinking water [1]. The authors developed a model by performing multiple linear regression using predictors air temperature, irradiance, and wind speeds in two rural areas to determine the suitability of a proposed system to assist. The system consists of a commercial grade vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with embedded solar cells capable of providing water pumping and small-scale electricity generation. A suite of equations was used alongside the regression models to determine how to adjust the mechanical properties of the turbine such that the solar and wind energy function as mutually redundant drivers for both a small-scale electricity generator and water pumping system. The results are consistent with the following: solar output variation of 20% (from 4.5 to 5.5 W/m2) [2], [3]; 3.7 m/s to 6m/sec require to operate the turbine; and water pumped at the rate of 3748.54 ft-lbs to 42314.72 ft-lbs per hour. The primary researcher for this project has applied for and received a provisional patent to advance the VAWT/SES technology. This year a utility patent was filed to move the complete energy renewal system toward commercialization.