Author: Nithin Thimmaiah
Thimmaiah, Nithin, 2023 Advanced Renewable Wind Turbine Braking System, Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering
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Significant technological progress has been made in wind turbines, the key tools for harvesting wind energy. When operating a wind turbine, safety and efficiency are of the utmost importance, especially in challenging wind conditions or in times of emergency. The use of eddy current braking devices on wind turbines is investigated in this thesis. The non-contact feature of eddy current brakes allows for effective and precise braking without the wear typically seen in mechanical systems. This thesis presents research on an eddy current braking model built from the ground up for use in vertical axis wind turbines. The goal is to develop a model that minimizes energy waste without compromising the system's ability to provide consistent and effective braking. The results of this study will aid in the ongoing effort to improve wind turbine safety and performance. This thesis contributes significantly to the effort to safely and sustainably harvest wind energy by investigating the application of eddy current braking and employing software simulations for performance evaluations. It makes a significant contribution to the field of renewable energy by laying the groundwork for the future development and application of eddy current braking systems in wind turbine technology.
Keywords: VAWT, Renewable, Eddy current braking, Ansys, FEMM, Compact 3D model
Subject: Engineering thesis
Thesis type: Masters
Completed: 2023
School: College of Science and Engineering
Supervisor: DR. AMIR ZANJ