Development of a Savonius Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Operated Water Pump

Wind energy is abundant, inexhaustible, affordable, environmentally preferable, and equally sustainable. More researches are emerging in the analysis of wind energy in Nigeria and each have proven that great potential exist for wind power generation in Nigeria but sufficient results is yet to be achieved in terms of application. The present research is intended to apply the technology of wind energy for pumping of water in rural Nigeria. To achieve this, a Savonius vertical axis wind turbine is developed. To ensure, an optimum functioning system was developed and design consideration and conceptual design were drawn. The best conceptual design was selected for development using decision matrix. The system was evaluated for performance and UT363 Anemometer was used to measure the wind speed. Results obtained indicate a swept area of 3.41 m2, power of wind of 31.46 watts, blade tip speed and rotational speed wind of 7.38 rpm and 5.05 rpm were required for effective wind turbine operation. Besides, an average wind speed of 3.49 m/sec was required to pump an average 47.77 litres of water at an average time of 3.08 minutes.