Hybrid Wind Turbine

G10, Semester2, Sharkya STEM School,

2024-2025

Group: 22101
Table of Contents
Present and Justify a Problem and Solution Requirements
No. Description Page Number

1 Egypt’s Grand Challenges (5-11)

2 Problem to be solved (12)

3 Research (13)

4 Prior solutions (14-17)

z

Generating and defending a solution

No. Description Page Number
1 Solution & Design Requirements (19)
2
Selection of solution (20)

3 Selection of prototype (21)

 Constructing and testing a prototype
No. Description Page Number
1 Materials & Methods (23-24)
2 Test plan (25)
3 Data collection (26)

Evaluation, Reflection, Recommendations

No. Description Page Number
1 Analysis & Discussions (28-29)
2 Recommendations (30)
3 Learning Outcomes (31)
4 List of sources & APA format (32-33)
5 Message of thanking (34)
 Chapter 1
Contents:

1- Egypt’s grand challenges

2- Problem to solved
3-Research
4-Prior solution
Egypt’s Grand
Challenges
Egypt tries to achieve sustainable development goals (SDG),
but unlimited challenges hinder and limit development.
mentioning some of these grand challenges as shown in Figure
(1) and statistics. (Hák et al., 2016) (ENW 1.3.2)

Challenges:
• Improve the use of alternative energy sources.
• Recycle garbage and waste for economic and environmental purposes.
• Dealing with urban congestion and its consequences.
• Work to eradicate public health issues and diseases.
• Address and reduce pollution that contaminates the air, water, and soil.
• Improve the use of arid areas.
• Deal with population growth and its consequences.
• Manage and increase the sources of clean water.
• Improve the scientific and technological environment for all.
• Reduce and adapt to the effects of climate change.
• Increase the industrial and agricultural bases of Egypt.

Figure (1): Representing Egypt’s grand challenges.

Challenges
Improve the use of alternative energies
Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increases social equity, and
creates an environment that allows the world to thrive. "Alternative energy" is the energy
generated from a non-depleted natural resource
when used and constantly replenished in nature
and does not pollute the environment such as
the sun, wind, and water (Abubakr et al., 2022).
Developed countries are interested in clean
energy as shown in Figure (2) due to the
increased risk of pollution caused by various
fossil fuels. Egypt possesses abundant land,
sunny weather, and high wind speeds, making it
a prime location for renewable energy sources.
The renewable equipment market is potentially
worth billions of dollars. (Gado & El-Agha, Figure (2): Representing U.S Electricity
2021)

Advantages:
• Eco-Friendly: Low or zero carbon emissions are without a doubt the main
advantage of alternative energy over fossil fuels. (ES 1.11)
• Energy security: Fossil fuels are unequally distributed and make the global
economy dependent on a few exporting countries. Thus, the use of alternative
energy significantly reduces dependence on international energy supplies, which in
turn increases energy security by providing a stable and cost-effective energy
supply.
• Sustainability: Unlike the traditional types of energy that are non-renewable,
alternative forms of energy are renewable, which means that they offer a sustainable
and stable energy supply in the long term.
Disadvantages:
• High cost: technologies that utilize alternative sources of energy remain relatively
expensive. A large segment of the industry depends heavily on cheap energy to
keep up with fierce global competition.
• Low Efficiency: Alternative energy technologies are relatively new in offices and
are not particularly efficient. This poses a problem with feasibility because the
investment may not be returned, even in the long term. Consequently, the interest
of private investors in green technologies remains relatively low.
Challenges
Address & reduce pollution in air, water and soil
Pollution encompasses us in every way, polluting our water, air, and soil, and
threatens our health in an extremely dangerous manner by accounting for 40 percent
of the world's deaths. Poor communities are more vulnerable to the ill effects of
pollution, but then again, no one is completely immune. Pollution has been a key
problem in all parts of the world, developed and developing as well.

Water, air, and soil pollution disturb the natural processes that are essential for human
beings, wildlife, and the ecosystems. It comes from both natural and human-made
sources such as chemicals, wastes, carbon dioxide, and mercury.

Egypt suffers from the worst pollution problems, being largely soil, air, and water
pollution, and each causes environmental degradation to a certain extent.

Soil Pollution

When our forefathers settled beside the Nile,

Egypt saw stability and progress. The
agricultural revolution was the primary cause
of this. Back then, the soil held a spiritual
place, which it still does today.
Soil contamination is a direct source of soil
deterioration, which affects crop yields and,
as a result, reduces prospects for food
security and endangers food safety.
Figure (3): Pollution in Soil
Air Pollution

Likewise, air pollution occurs because of

the industries, vehicles, and interior
sources that emit gases and particulate
matter harmful to life. These disturbances
give rise to respiratory problems, chronic
illnesses, and environmental hazards. In
Egypt, traffic congestion is directly
responsible for poor air quality in the
regions of Cairo and Nasr City. This is
Figure (4): Pollution in Air
where global warming plays its part,
threatening ecosystems and livelihoods.

Water Pollution

We Can Notice That the People Keep

Throwing Rubbish and Died Animals in
The Water and The Factories. Also, Throw
Their Wastes in The Nile; thus, the water
becomes hard to use (as shown in Figure
5) without water distillation or
purification. So that prevents us from
spending more money to get it.

Figure (5): Pollution in Water

Challenges
Improve the scientific and technological
environment for all
Technology is a necessity in modern life. It serves several
diverse purposes every day. Technology has both positive
and negative effects on society. Therefore, scientists are
responsible for using it responsibly without endangering
the world, the environment as shown in Figure (4), or
anybody else. Many burdens and barriers hinder Egypt’s
scientific and creative conditions, making it difficult for
the country to achieve and maintain a top global ranking.
(Li & Zhang, 2020) Figure (6): Representing the Scientific
and technological research atmosphere.

Egypt's advancement in technology and use of it for good is

hampered by several issues:
• Ignorance and illiteracy.
• Lack of awareness
• financial circumstances and devaluation of Egypt’s currency
• Lack of arranging gadgets for logical research
• The low rate of spending on scientific research exploits the shortcomings of the
present financing.

Advantages:
• Increased productivity
• Less time is needed to finish a task, or it can be done faster than a single person
could, which means less high-quality labor is needed.
• Making life easier; with a mobile device, anything can be done with a single click.

Disadvantages:
• The dependence on them renders minds too lazy to perform any genuine job.
Challenges
Reduce and adapt to the
effects of climate change
The "climate change" phenomenon is defined by notable changes in long-term
temperature and weather patterns. Although these shifts can be a part of natural cycles,
since the 1800s, anthropogenic activities have emerged as the predominant contributors
to climate change. This is largely attributed to the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal
and oil. The burning of these fuels results in an
increased concentration of greenhouse gases,
notably carbon dioxide and methane as shown in
Figure (5), in the Earth’s atmosphere. These
gases effectively trap solar heat, leading to a
global increase in temperatures. Furthermore,
this process contributes to the degradation of the
ozone layer, which is a crucial component of the
atmosphere that protects the Earth from the
harmful ultraviolet radiation of the Sun. Figure (7): Representing Co2 emission rate.
(Mostafa et al., 2021)

The increase in greenhouse gases is due to:

• Combustion of fossil fuels.
• Burning of forests.
• Removal of agricultural land.
• Use of chlorofluorocarbons (SFCs).

Impacts of climate change:

• Evaporation in the Nile will increase, hence the lack of water supplies and,
ultimately, water scarcity.
• The rise of sea level.
• Pressures on human health and the national economy.
Problem to be solved
Egypt's reliance on energy is largely due to two exhaustible resources: gas and oil-what
Tendler called "the two dirty little polluting culprits." Egypt refrains from using alternative
renewable sources of energy, like solar or wind, preventing Egypt from sweeping Energy
province into a more greener domain. Secondly, dependence on fossil fuels further makes the
possibility of a country suffering from external shocks in changes of conditions in the global
energy market.

What if the problem is solved:

• Diminishing dependence on fossil fuels by integrating renewable sources leads to
energy security Energy Diversification
• Result in emission reduction, thereby helping to mitigate global climate alteration
efforts.
• Unit of Competency: The industry provides employment and stimulates economic
growth and pull in more visually automated content.

What if the problem is not solved:

• Our dependence of fossil fuels continues to foul the air and harm human health.

• Shortages of food, water and power: Depletion over time could lead to critical public
health issues cause by shortages.
• Idle Economic Growth: Failure to capitalize on green resources leads to missed
economic opportunities and job growth.
Research
Sources:
Gathering the data from a variety of sources, including Google Scholar, Science Direct,
EIB, YouTube videos, PDF books, earlier studies and solutions, and paper research that
is currently available online.

Research topics (Related to the problem and

possible solutions):
• Egypt’s Grand Challenges
• Generating energy
• Alternative energy
• Wind power
• Non-renewable energy
• climate change
• Egypt climate
• technological environment
• Energy
• Force
• Power
• Recycled materials
• Waste materials
• Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines
• Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs): Mounted vertically, they capture
wind from any direction and are ideal for urban areas, though less efficient than
horizontal models.
• Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs): The most common type, with three
blades on a tall tower, using yaw and pitch control for maximum energy output.
• Wind Power Formula & Energy Calculations
• Types of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (Darrieus, Savonius, Helical, etc.)
• Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction
• Types of Generators Used in Wind Turbines (DC motors, alternators, stepper
motors)
• AC vs. DC Power: AC power alternates direction and is ideal for transmission,
while DC flows steadily in one direction, making it suitable for electronics and
storage.
• Rectifiers & Voltage Regulators
• Types of Batteries (Lead-Acid, Lithium-Ion, etc.)
• Battery Charging & Discharging Cycles
• Charge Controllers
• Battery Capacity Calculations
• Efficiency Losses in Wind Energy Systems
• Wind Speed & Site Selection
• Structural Stability of VAWTs
• Sustainability of Wind Energy
• Cost Analysis of Wind Energy Systems
• Applications of Small-Scale Wind Turbines
Prior solutions
Solar-Wind Hybrid Systems
Solar-Wind Hybrid Systems integrate both
photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and wind turbines to
harness energy from the sun and wind
simultaneously. This combination leverages the
complementary nature of these resources; solar
energy is typically abundant during the day and in
certain seasons, while wind energy can be more
prevalent at night and during different periods. By
combining both systems, hybrid setups can provide a
more stable and reliable energy supply, reducing
dependence on a single energy source. These
systems are particularly advantageous in off-grid or
remote areas where consistent energy availability is Figure (8): Representing the prototype.
crucial.

Strength points:
• Enhanced Reliability: Combining solar panels and wind turbines can provide a
more consistent energy supply, as solar and wind resources often peak at different
times.
• Efficient Land Use: Integrating both systems maximizes energy output from a
single site, optimizing land utilization.
• Grid Stability: Hybrid systems can reduce dependency on a single energy
source, contributing to a more stable and resilient power grid.

Weakness points:
• Complex Integration: Designing and managing two different energy systems
increases technical complexity.
• Higher Initial Costs: The combined setup requires more capital investment
compared to single-source systems.
• Maintenance Demands: Dual systems necessitate a broader range of maintenance
expertise and resources.
Prior solutions
Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs)
Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines are wind energy conversion devices
with a vertically oriented rotor shaft. Unlike traditional horizontal-
axis wind turbines (HAWTs), VAWTs do not need to be oriented
into the wind, allowing them to capture wind from any direction.
This characteristic makes them particularly suitable for urban
environments where wind patterns are unpredictable and space is
limited. Their design facilitates the placement o f the generator and
gearbox near the ground, simplifying maintenance and reducing
structural stress. However, VAWTs generally have lower efficiency
compared to HAWTs and may experience higher mechanical stress
due to their design. Figure (9): Representing the prototype.

Strength points:

• Urban Suitability: VAWTs can operate efficiently in turbulent and variable wind
conditions, making them ideal for urban environments where space is limited.
• Compact Design: Their vertical structure allows for installation on rooftops or
within cityscapes without significant visual intrusion.
• Safety and Maintenance: Typically quieter and more accessible for maintenance
compared to horizontal-axis turbines.

Weakness points:
• Lower Efficiency: Generally, VAWTs have a lower energy conversion efficiency
compared to their horizontal counterparts.
• Structural Durability: They may experience higher mechanical stress, potentially
leading to shorter lifespans.
• Scaling Limitations: Challenges exist in scaling up VAWTs for large-scale energy
production.
Prior solutions
Pumped-Storage Hydropower (PHS)
Pumped-Storage Hydropower is a type of
hydroelectric power generation used for energy
storage. It involves two water reservoirs at
different elevations. During periods of low
electricity demand, excess energy is used to pump
water from the lower reservoir to the upper
reservoir. During peak demand, the stored water
is released back through turbines to the lower
reservoir, generating electricity. This method
effectively stores energy and helps balance supply
and demand within the power grid. While PHS is
highly efficient and provides large-scale storage
Figure (10): Representing the
capacity, it requires specific geographical
prototype
features, such as significant elevation differences
and water availability, which can limit its
implementation.

Strength points:
• Energy Storage Capability: PHS can store large amounts of energy, addressing
the intermittency of renewable sources by releasing stored energy during peak
demand.
• Grid Support: Provides ancillary services such as frequency regulation and load
balancing, enhancing overall grid reliability.
• Proven Technology: PHS is a well-established method with a long operational
lifespan and high efficiency.
Weakness points:
• Geographical Constraints: Requires specific topographical features, such as
elevation differences and water availability, limiting suitable locations.
• High Capital Expenditure: Significant upfront investment is needed for
construction and infrastructure development.
• Environmental Impact: Potential ecological disturbances due to reservoir
creation and water usage.
Prior solutions
Waste-to-Energy Plants
Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants are facilities that combust
municipal and industrial waste to generate electricity or
heat. By incinerating waste materials, these plants
reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills and produce
energy as a byproduct. The process involves burning
waste at high temperatures to produce steam, which then
drives turbines connected to electricity generators. WtE
plants help in managing waste effectively and contribute
Figure (11): Representing the prototype
to energy production. However, they require advanced
emission control systems to minimize the release of
pollutants and are subject to environmental regulations to
ensure they do not adversely impact air quality.

Strength points:
• Waste Reduction: Converts municipal and industrial waste into energy,
decreasing landfill use and associated environmental issues.
• Continuous Energy Production: Provides a steady energy output, as waste
generation is constant.
• Resource Efficiency: Utilizes waste that would otherwise contribute to pollution,
promoting a circular economy.

Weakness points:
• Emission Concerns: If not properly managed, these plants can emit pollutants,
including greenhouse gases.
• Public Perception: Communities may oppose waste-to-energy facilities due to
concerns over air quality and health impacts.
• Economic Viability: High operational and maintenance costs can affect the
economic feasibility, especially with fluctuating waste supply.
 Chapter 2

Contents:

1- Solution & Design

requirement
2- Selection of solution
3-Selection of prototype
Solution & Design
Requirements
The next step after finding the answers to design needs and understanding them is to meet
the needs with effective design. The design path is an effort to prototype an improvement
of design with lesser impacts on the environment and draws inspiration from successful
and existing projects that stand out from the rest. An example of such clever but simple
design catering to needs is found in Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs). VAWTs use
the wind to generate electricity using a design that is less complicated and does not require
special talents in installation or maintenance. These can effectively utilize space so that
they can be fit into cities and buildings as opposed to traditional turbines.

Design Requirements
Efficient Energy Production & Storage: At least produce [Link] in 5 minutes and
effectively store energy for use later.

Eco-Friendly Sustainable: Waste/Recycle materials and environmentally aware design.

User-Friendly Safe: So simple to operate and easily demonstrated, without interfering
with the activities of students.

Compact Manageable: 0.5 m³ should have practical value in a school environment.

Measurable Output: Clear and quantifiable design of energy production measurement.

Fast Energy Production: Bring in rapid speed conversion of wind to electricity to

enhance efficiency.
Selection of solution
After careful consideration of the Capstone Challenge requirements and various
renewable energy technologies, our team has chosen to develop an innovative vertical
axis wind turbine (VAWT) system that combines energy harvesting with effective storage
capabilities.

Why We Chose This Solution

• Alignment with Challenge Requirements: Our hybrid VAWT meets all criteria
by producing 0.04 KW·s within 5 minutes, incorporating battery storage, using
recycled materials, and maintaining a compact design under 0.5 m³.
• Environmental Impact: Supports Egyptian Grand Challenges through alternative
energy utilization, technological advancement, and pollution reduction.
• Technical Design: Combines Savonius (excellent low-wind starting torque) and
Darrieus (higher efficiency at moderate speeds) technologies in a helical
configuration that minimizes vibration.
• Practical Feasibility: Constructible with fab lab tools, cost-effective at 339 EGP,
completable within four weeks, and safe for school environments.

Prototype Description

• Two-Stage Savonius Rotor: Semi-cylindrical scoops provide high starting torque

at low wind speeds using partially recycled materials.
• Three-Bladed Helical Darrieus Rotor: Aerodynamic airfoil blades achieve
higher efficiency at moderate speeds with reduced vibration.
• Energy Conversion: Belt drive system transfers rotation to a generator, with a
rectifier converting AC to DC for storage.
• Storage System: Lead-acid battery with charge controller and safety features
stores harvested energy for later use.
Selection of prototype
Hybrid Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) with Energy Storage System
Design Description
Our prototype is a hybrid vertical axis wind turbine that combines Savonius and
Darrieus designs to optimize energy harvesting across various wind conditions:

• Two-Stage Dual Blades Savonius Rotor (Figure 12): Provides high starting
torque at low wind speeds

Figure (12): Representing Two-Stage Dual Blades Savonius

otor
• Three-Bladed Helical Darrieus Rotor (Figure 13): Achieves higher efficiency
at moderate to high wind speeds with reduced vibration

Figure (13): Representing Three-Bladed Helical Darrieus

Rotor
Rotor
• Power System: A belt drive system connects the rotors to a permanent magnet
generator
• Electrical System: Bridge rectifier circuit converts AC to DC for battery charging
• Storage: Rechargeable lead-acid battery with charge controller circuit
• Safety: Fuses and circuit breakers for overcurrent protection
Construction Materials

• Stainless steel rod and ball bearings for the main shaft
• Recycled materials for Savonius components
• 3D-printed Darrieus blades using fab lab facilities
• Recycled generator and lead-acid battery
• New electronic components for control and monitoring

Meeting Design Requirements

• Producing at least 0.04 KW·sec in 5 minutes with lead-acid battery storage

• Using recycled materials for eco-friendly, emission-free operation
• Featuring simple operation with safety components in a school-friendly
design
• Maintaining a compact size under 0.5 m³ with portability for
demonstrations
• Including measuring points for output verification
• Enabling quick energy production through effective dual-rotor design

Our hybrid VAWT design represents an innovative solution for harvesting wind
energy while meeting all specified requirements. The incorporation of recycled
materials and focus on clean energy production align with environmental
sustainability goals.
 Chapter 3
Contents:

1- Materials & Methods

2- Test plan
3- Data collection
 Materials & Methods
Materials
Table (1): Representing the Materials.

Cost
Quantit
Item Description Usage (EGP Source Picture
y
)

30cm x
Stainless steel 8mm steel Main shaft for Hardware
rod the turbine 1 65
rod store

Support
Ball bearings Mechanical rotation of Hardware
bearings the main 2 28 store
ivyl 2
shaft

Bolts, nuts, Connect Hardware

Fasteners Assorted 25
and washers components store
together

3D-printed Connect
Rotor hub hub blades to the 1 30 Fab lab
main shaft

Recycled Form the Savonius Recycled

Savonius parts rotor 1 set 0
materials

3D-printed Form the Darrieus

Darrieus blades rotor 1 set 70 Fab lab
airfoils

Convert
mechanica
Generator/Dynam Recycled
l to Recycled
o generator 1 0
electrical
energy
 Recycle
d Store generated
Lead Acid Battery 1 0 Recycled
battery electricity

Belt and
Drive system Transfer rotation Hardware
pulleys 1 set 35
to generator store

Terminal Copper Connect

Electronic
connectors connectors electrical 6 5
s store
components

Protective Prevent
Insulating gaskets Electronic
gaskets short circuits 4 10
s store

1N4007
Diodes Build rectifier Electronic
diodes 8 12
circuit s store

Electronic
Charge controller Regulate battery Electronic
components 1 set 35
charging s store

LED indicators Status lights Display system Electronic

3 9
status s store

Electrical Connect electrical

Connecting wires Electronic
wires components Assorted 15
s store

Total Cost = 339 EGP