Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The world is facing an energy crisis due to the increasing demand for
electricity and the depletion of non-renewable energy sources. According to the
International Energy Agency (IEA), the global demand for electricity is expected to
grow by 70% by 2040. This has led to a renewed focus on renewable energy sources
such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. (International Energy Agency, 2019)
Wind power is one of the most promising renewable energy sources. It is
clean, abundant, and widely available. However, the efficiency of wind turbines is
limited by the design of the blades. Traditional wind turbine blades are designed with
a straight or slightly curved shape, which limits their ability to capture wind energy
efficiently. This has led to a growing interest in the use of spiral blade designs for
wind turbines. (S. A. Ahmed et Al., 2012)
Several factors contribute to the focus of this study. Firstly, the use of spiral
blade designs has been shown to increase the efficiency of wind turbines by up to
30% compared to traditional blade designs. Secondly, the use of renewable energy
sources such as wind power can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate
the effects of climate change. Thirdly, the cost of wind power has decreased
significantly in recent years, making it more competitive with traditional energy
sources. (S. A. Ahmed et al., 2012)
The current condition of wind power in the Philippines is promising.
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the country has a total installed
capacity of 1,932 MW of wind power as of 2021. However, there is still a significant
potential for growth in the wind power sector, particularly in rural areas where access
to electricity is limited. (International Renewable Energy Agency, 2020).
The aim of this study is to investigate the use of spiral blade designs in wind
turbine power generation for electricity. The study will focus on the design and
optimization of spiral blades for wind turbines, with the goal of improving the
efficiency of wind power generation. The results of this study could have significant
implications for the development of wind power in the Philippines.

Research Question
This study aimed to design a spiral wind turbine blade that could improve the
performance and efficiency of wind power generation for electricity.

The study sought to answer the following questions:

1. How effective was the Spiral Blade Design in wind turbine power generation in
harnessing electricity in terms of the following parameters:
1.1) Voltage Output
1.2) Continuous Operation
2. What were the voltage outputs of the Spiral blade design under the following
conditions:
2.1) Wind speed: and
2.2) wind direction
3. Was there a significant difference between the spiral wind turbine and traditional
wind turbine in terms of:
 3.1 Efficiency: and
3.2 Reliability
4. What was the cost-analysis of the spiral wind turbine design.

Scope and Delimitations

This study primarily focused on the design, analysis, and performance
evaluation of spiral blades for wind turbines used in electricity generation and also in
investigating the various aspects of spiral blade design, materials, and aerodynamics,
as well as control systems. The study was limited to a specific geographical area, as
wind conditions and turbine applications can vary by location. The study may have
focused on either commercial-grade wind turbines or those used for research
purposes, with potential differences in blade design and goals.
This research study about Spiral Blade Design in Wind Turbine Power
Generation for Electricity focused on the comprehensive design, analysis, and
performance evaluation of spiral blades specifically intended for electricity generation
in wind turbines. It focused to provide a thorough investigation of various key
aspects, including the intricacies of spiral blade design, the selection of appropriate
materials, the dynamics of aerodynamics, and the implementation of effective control
systems. The study also included a cost-benefit analysis of spiral wind turbine design.
The study was limited to the geographic confines of the Dampigan area,
concentrating on addressing the power generation needs of residential houses within
this specific location. It also considered the diverse variations in wind conditions and
turbine applications, emphasizing an examination of both commercial-grade wind
turbines and those used for research purposes, thereby ensuring a targeted and
relevant analysis for the chosen context and objectives.

Significance of the Study

This study contributed to the field of wind energy by providing a new design
for the spiral blade of a wind turbine that could generate more electricity than
traditional designs. This helped to reduce the cost of electricity for consumers, protect
the environment, and promote the development of more efficient wind turbines. The
study also contributed to the field of engineering by providing a new design for the
spiral blade of a wind turbine that could be used in other applications such as
hydroelectric power generation.

This study also helped the following beneficiaries:

Wind turbine manufacturers: This study provided a new design for the
spiral blade of a wind turbine that could generate more electricity than traditional
designs. This helped manufacturers to produce more efficient wind turbines, which
was beneficial for the environment and the economy.
Electricity consumers: This study contributed to the development of more
efficient wind turbines, which led to lower electricity costs for consumers. This was
especially beneficial for people living in remote areas where electricity is expensive.
Environmentalists: This study contributed to the development of more
efficient wind turbines, which reduced the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into
the atmosphere. This helped to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the
environment.
Researchers in the field of wind energy: This study contributed to the field
of wind energy by providing a new design for the spiral blade of a wind turbine that
could generate more electricity than traditional designs. This helped researchers to
develop more efficient wind turbines in the future.

Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The amount of electricity produced worldwide is progressively coming from

wind power sources. The stability of contemporary power grids is significantly
impacted by the large penetration of wind power. For power systems with high
penetration power electronic interfaced technologies, such as wind power production,
new-type stability has recently been defined. (including wind power generation).
Furthermore, there have been widespread reports indicating that the traditional
forms of stability have undergone significant changes due to the widespread use of
power electronic interfaced technologies. This significant transformation poses new
challenges for modeling the dynamic behaviors of power systems. Over the past two
decades, extensive research has been conducted by both academia and industry on the
modeling of wind turbine generators, resulting in fruitful outcomes. However, there
has been relatively less focus in the literature on comprehensive surveys that address a
wide range of modeling requirements and the suitability of existing modeling methods
for various types of stability studies. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive
overview of various aspects such as time scale, disturbance size, stability study
methodology, and modeling methodology. It presents a broad classification of models
to differentiate the modeling requirements for different stability studies. Additionally,
a conceptual framework for wind turbine generator modeling is established to guide
the customization of appropriate models for specific types of stability studies.
A thorough evaluation of the accomplishments in several areas of modeling is
provided. Future research trends are also reviewed, and a number of outstanding
difficulties are identified, particularly with regard to the new-type stability
investigations. (He, X., Geng, H., Mu, G., 2021)
The global shift towards wind power as a primary source of electricity
production has progressively impacted power grids worldwide. The integration of
wind power, along with other power electronic-interfaced technologies, has
significantly influenced the stability of contemporary power systems. This has
necessitated a redefinition of traditional stability concepts due to the emergence of a
new type of stability.

As the population and standards of living increase, there is a growing demand

for energy. This surge in energy consumption creates a significant demand for energy
produced by fossil fuels, which are limited and contribute to global warming through
carbon emissions. Fears of diminishing natural resources and significant climate
change resulting from the burning of fossil fuels have sparked worldwide interest in
clean, renewable energy sources that can meet the world's electrical demands. One
common strategy is the utilization of wind turbines that generate electricity from wind
(Deisadze, L. Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Evaluation and Design,
www.academia.edu, April 2013).
Wind is generated from solar energy unevenly heating the earth, resulting in
pressure changes in the atmosphere that create wind. This wind can be harnessed by a
wind turbine. As the wind pushes the turbine's blades, a generator attached to the
shaft's axis is spun, creating electricity that can be sent to the grid and used in
households (windies.gov, 2012).
While wind turbines are a clean way to generate power, they also present
significant challenges. They are expensive to design and install, and generating
enough energy for communities and cities requires space for wind farms.
Additionally, they need to be situated in locations where there is sufficient wind
energy to justify the cost of the machine (windies.gov, 2012).
In practical applications, VAWT blades for low-average wind speed regions,
such as Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia, are designed and implemented. Both performance
and power produced are investigated and utilized in the design and economic analysis.
An experimental and theoretical review of the performance of Savonius VAWT is
presented. The turbine, made of an aluminum alloy with a blade angle of 160 degrees
and a maximum coefficient of power, Cp, of 0.286, demonstrated that the power
output, with a minimum speed of 12–15 m/s, generated 40–80 watts with an
efficiency of 31~35%. This study highlights that Vertical Axis Wind Turbines
(VAWTs) represent a unique form of power-generating technology, particularly
effective in regions with low-average wind speeds (Jendoubi, N., Study of a Vertical
Axis Wind Turbine for Low-Speed Regions in Saudi Arabia, www.researchgate.net,
September 2020).
(Nawar et al., 2021) Mohamed A.A. Nawar, H.S. Abdel Hameed, A.
Ramadan, Youssef A. Attai, and M.H. conducted an experimental and numerical
investigation of the blade design's impact on the performance of an Archimedes spiral
wind turbine. Mohamed contrasts the fixed and variable-angle rotor designs of two
Archimedes Spiral Wind Turbines (ASWTs). It shows that the variable-angle design
works better than its fixed-angle equivalent, exhibiting increased wind resistance. The
article also describes how the ASWT uses a tail vane to automatically align itself with
the direction of the wind.

(El-jummah et al., 2023) Design of Low-Velocity Wind Turbine Blades for

Power Generation: S. S. A. El-jummah, A. A. A. El-kafrawy, and A. In this work, A.
El-kilani presents a novel method for improving a low-velocity wind turbine's initial
blade form. The process produces larger performance curves across a range of
operating wind speeds by linearizing the chord and twist angle distribution.

(Gaughan, R. 2017) Wind Turbine Size vs Power: Gaughan mentions that

larger rotor diameters typically allows wind turbines to sweep more area, capture
more wind, and produce more electricity. A turbine with longer blades will be able to
capture more of the available wind than shorter blades—even in areas with relatively
less wind. The same wind blowing past a turbine with 28-meter (92-foot) blades has a
swept area of about 2,500 square meters (27,000 square feet), and carries about 2.5
megawatts of power. A turbine with 80-meter (262-foot) blades has a swept area of
about 20,000 square meters (215,000 square feet), and carries about 20 megawatts of
power. The average capacity of newly installed U.S. wind turbines in 2022 was 3.2
megawatts (MW), up 7% since 2021 and 350% since 1998–1999. The average rotor
diameter of newly-installed wind turbines was over 130 meters (~430 feet)—longer
than a football field, and almost twice the wingspan of a 747.
In recent years, the growing need for clean energy has prompted the creation
of more efficient vertical-axis wind turbines. A new design strategy based on a
diagonal spiral blade design has been presented and studied. The blade geometry of
this novel turbine design is inspired by the diagonal spiral structure observed in
nature. The aerodynamic performance of 11 prototype machines with varied pitch
angles was thoroughly evaluated using simulation computations. The researchers
found that the prototype with a pitch angle of 110° had the best aerodynamic
performance, with a maximum wind energy utilization rate of 0.29 at a tip speed ratio
of 0.4. Furthermore, the use of 3D printing in the turbine model enabled real-world
testing and comparison with classic S-type wind turbines, demonstrating the better
performance and design logic of the new diagonal spiral blade vertical axis wind
turbine. The research article examines the wake effects created by wind turbines and
offers a strategic arrangement spacing to reduce downstream interference, hence
increasing the overall power generation efficiency of turbine arrays. Through
comparative research, the applicability and benefits of the innovative diagonal spiral
blade vertical axis wind turbine design are highlighted, demonstrating its potential for
wider use in clean energy applications. (Li, Z., Liu, M., Cao, X., Gao, M., Cheng, L.,
& Sun, H. (2022). Aerodynamic performance analysis and power generation
characteristics experiment of vertical axis wind turbine. Engineering Reports, 4(4),
e12500.)
Classical turbines, the most common type, have a greater specific rating,
which means they produce more power per unit weight. However, their power output
is more erratic, making it challenging to incorporate them into the electrical grid. In
contrast, advanced turbines have a lower specific rating but produce energy more
consistently. This makes them more useful to the grid since they can provide a more
consistent source of power. The study discovered that the economic value of power
provided by advanced turbines is much greater than that of classical turbines. This is
due to a variety of factors, including the reduced demand for grid investment and the
lower balancing costs of modern turbines. (Hirth, L., & Müller, S. (2016). System-
friendly wind power: How advanced wind turbine design can increase the economic
value of electricity generated through wind power. Energy Economics, 56, 51-63.)
Wind power is a clean and renewable energy source, but traditional wind
turbines require high winds to function properly. This could limit its application in
cities, where wind speeds are often lower. The Archimedes spiral wind turbine
(ASWT) is a novel type of wind turbine designed to operate in metropolitan areas
with low wind velocity. It has a different construction than ordinary turbines, and the
researchers tested its performance with computer simulations. Researchers discovered
that adding a concentrator can boost ASWT efficiency. This device helps to guide
more wind onto turbine blades, increasing power output. (Refaie, A. G., Hameed, H.
A., Nawar, M. A., Attai, Y. A., & Mohamed, M. H. (2021). Qualitative and
quantitative assessments of an Archimedes Spiral Wind Turbine performance
augmented by A concentrator. Energy, 231, 121128.)
A horizontal-axis wind turbine with Archimedes spiral blades has been
introduced, designed primarily for urban settings. Using the conservation rule of
angular momentum, a detailed design formula for the blade was created, taking into
account several shape characteristics. The aerodynamic properties and performance of
the Archimedes wind turbine were examined using computational fluid dynamics
(CFD) models. The results revealed a remarkable power coefficient (Cp) of around
0.25, outperforming standard urban wind turbine designs. Scaled-down model
experiments were performed to validate the CFD results, with the two-dimensional
particle image velocimetry (PIV) method collecting instantaneous velocity fields in
the blade's vicinity. PIV data analysis indicated vortical features downstream of the
hub and near the blade tip. Wind speed and blade rotational speed had a substantial
impact on the interaction of wake flow at the rotor downstream with induced velocity
from tip vortices. Mean velocity profiles from PIV experiments were compared to
predictions from steady-state and unsteady-state CFD models, and the latter exhibited
a better match, proving its effectiveness in capturing the turbine's dynamic behavior.
(Kim, K. C., et al. (2014). Experimental and numerical study of the aerodynamic
characteristics of an archimedes spiral wind turbine blade. Energies, 7(12), 7893-
7914.)

Conceptual Framework

INPUTS PROCESS OUTPUT

Analyzing wind speed,

•Wind speed optimizing blade design,

ensuring aerodynamic
•Blade length Electricity generated by
performance, measuring
•Blade material the wind turbine
the voltage output, and
•Blade weight
generating mechanical
power.

Figure 1. IPO Conceptual Framework

Based on Figure 1, the inputs were Wind speed, blade length, Blade material, Blade
weight. Its wind speed, blade design, and performance were all tested as part of the
research process. The output was Electricity generated by the wind turbine.

Hypothesis
This study sought to test the following hypotheses:
Ha: There was a significant difference in voltage output between
varying wind speeds and environmental conditions.
Ho: There was no significant difference of the voltage output between
varying wind speeds and environmental conditions.

Definition of Terms
The following are the terms used in the study defined conceptually and
operationally.
Generator (DC Motor). Converts mechanical energy from the turbine blades
into electrical energy.
Batteries. Devices that store electrical energy in the form of chemical energy,
which can later be converted back into electricity for use.
Wiring and Connectors. Wires are conductive materials that carry electrical
current. Connectors are devices used to join electrical circuits together securely.
Charge Controller. An electronic device that regulates the voltage and
current coming from the wind turbine going to the batteries. It prevents overcharging
and ensures the batteries are charged efficiently.
Inverter. A device that converts DC (direct current) electricity into AC
(alternating current) electricity, making it suitable for powering household appliances.
Safety Devices (Fuses and Circuit Breakers). Safety devices that interrupt
the flow of electricity in case of overload or short circuit, protecting the components
and the user from electrical hazards.
 Bolts and Nuts. For assembling the turbine components securely
Tower. A sturdy pole or tower to elevate the turbine for better wind exposure.
Bearings. To allow the turbine to rotate freely.

Chapter III
METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The study on "Spiral Blade Design in Wind Turbine Power Generation for

Electricity" has been conducted using a combination of experimental and

observational research designs. Experimental research design involved manipulation

of one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable while controlling

for extraneous factors that may influence the outcome. In this case, researchers have

experimented with different blade designs, materials, and manufacturing techniques to

determine the optimal conditions for producing high-quality wind turbine blades.

Observational research design, on the other hand, involved observing and collecting

data from a natural setting without manipulating any variables. Researchers have

observed the behavior of the wind turbine blades in different environmental

conditions, such as varying wind speeds and humidity levels, to identify potential

challenges or limitations of using spiral blade designs in wind turbine power

generation for electricity. By using a combination of experimental and observational

research designs, the researchers have gained a more complete understanding of the

strengths and limitations of using spiral blade designs in wind turbine power

generation for electricity. This proved helpful identifying areas for improvement and

informed the development of more efficient and sustainable wind turbine

technologies.
Research Locale

This study was conducted in Dampigan-Dolores, Eastern Samar, Philippines.

The diversity of different regions in Eastern Samar offered a unique set of

environmental conditions, including wind patterns, geography, and climatic

variations, making it an ideal site for investigating the effectiveness and efficiency of

spiral blade designs in harnessing wind energy for electricity generation. It also

provided insights into the potential applicability and adaptability of such designs in

the Philippines, contributing valuable data to the field of renewable energy research.

Research Instrument

The researchers employed an observational checklist consisting of seven (7)

questions that served as a tool for gathering relevant data to assess the performance of

the spiral wind turbine. These questions were carefully designed to thoroughly

evaluate the functionality and efficiency of the turbine. The researchers included

assessing the voltage output to determine the power generation capability, evaluating

the endurance of the turbine to understand its ability to withstand varying wind speeds

and conditions, examining the speed limit to gauge the maximum operational

capacity, considering geographical compatibility for effective use in different

locations, evaluating performance aspects for community acceptance and integration

into the landscape, and assessing the durability to determine the lifespan and potential

for long-term energy production.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers tested the spiral wind turbine design in the experiment to

obtain data on the voltage output of the spiral blade design under different

environmental conditions. The spiral wind turbine was exposed to different

environmental conditions such as wet and dry seasons, strong, mild, and weak wind

speeds. Using a voltmeter, the researchers calculated the voltage output of the spiral

wind turbine design under each environmental conditions. The researchers also

observed the continuous operation of the spiral wind turbine design while calculating

its voltage output in the process.

Data Analysis

In conducting this study, the researchers used frequency analysis and weighted

mean. Frequency analysis involved counting the number of times a particular value

occurred in a data set. In the context of this research study, the researchers used

frequency analysis to determine the number of times the spiral blade design in wind

turbine power generation for electricity was successful in generating electricity, the

number of times the system failed to generate electricity, and the number of times the

system generated electricity but at a lower rate than expected. Weighted mean was a

type of average that took into account the relative importance or weight of each value

in the data set. In the context of this study, the researchers also used weighted mean to

calculate the overall efficiency of the spiral blade design in wind turbine power
generation for electricity. The weight could be assigned based on the severity of the

wind speed, where higher wind speeds were given a higher weight.

Chapter IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1. Voltage Output of the Spiral Blade Design in different Wind Speed

Wind Speed Voltage Output

(m/s) (v)

3.5 2

5 2.5

7 3

9 3.5

11 4

13 5

17 5.5

This observed voltage output displays the measured voltage output from the

wind turbine at various wind speeds, showing the electrical generation capabilities of

the spiral blade design.

Table 2. Continuous Operation of Spiral Blade Design in different Wind Speed

 Wind Speed Continuous Operation
(m/s) (hours)

3.5 24

5 24

7 24

9 24

11 24

13 24

17 24

This table presents the daily operational hours of the wind turbine across a

range of wind speeds. With accordance to our geographical worksite, the spiral wind

turbine design showed continuous operation for 24 hours.

Table 3. Wind Speed and Wind Direction of the Spiral blade Design Test Result

Wind Speed Wind Direction Voltage Output

(m/s) (v)

3.5 North 2

5 North-East 2.5

7 East 3

9 South-East 3.5

11 South 4
 13 South-West 4.5

15 West 5

17 North-West 5.5

The voltage output of the spiral blade design in different wind speeds and

wind directions was determined by conducting field tests where the electrical output

was measured under different wind conditions. The results were then organized into

the table to illustrate how the voltage output varied with changes in wind speed and

direction.

Table 4. Efficiency and Reliability of Spiral Wind Turbine Design

Efficiency and Reliability Ratings

Wind speed consistency 9/10

Energy output 10/10

Durability 9/10

Maintenance Requirements 9/10

Cost Efficiency 10/10

Adaptability to wind direction 10/10

Environmental impact 10/10

Design 10/10
 To determine the efficiency and reliability of the spiral wind turbine design, a

rating scale was used. The researchers gathered factors that would determine the

overall performance of the spiral wind turbine design and rated it according to the

observed results.

Table 5. Cost-Analysis of the Spiral Wind Turbine Design

Spiral Blade Wind Turbine Design Price (₱)

Materials

Wires 64

Ed light bulb 210

Nails 23

Spray paint 50

Electrical clips 40

F Sucket 34

Stick glue 30

Motor battery 50

Electric motor 100

Bearing 70

Pole 59
 Blades 150

Electrical tape 11

Pannel 217

M Sucket 25

Frame 90

Total: ₱1,223

This table shows the cost-analysis of the spiral wind turbine design. On the left

side are the materials used to create the spiral wind turbine design and on the right

side are the corresponding prices of the materials that were used to build the spiral

wind turbine design.

Chapter V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary of Findings
The study involved diverse methods of experimentations and observations, all
of which were utilized to come up with comprehensive pool of answers for the
research questions. As for table 1, presented the voltage output performance of the
spiral blade design when exposed to different wind speeds. The results show that the
faster the wind speed the higher the voltage output the the spiral wind turbine
generates. Table 2, provides information on the continual operation of the spiral wind
turbine design across varying range of wind speeds, it is shown that the spiral wind
turbine performed continuous operation for 24 hours in the selected geographical
worksite. Table 3 presents data on the voltage output performance of the spiral wind
turbine under different wind speeds and wind directions, a field test was conducted to
come up with the measured results. As shown, the spiral wind turbine when exposed
to different wind directions still generated the same voltage output no matter where
the wind is facing the spiral wind turbine. Table 4, presents a clear evaluation of the
spiral wind turbine's reliability and efficiency, with each factor rated on a scale from 1
to 10. Results show that the spiral wind turbine revealed exceptionally good
performance on each evaluated factors, as demonstrated in the table shown. And
finally Table 5, displays the comparison between the spiral wind turbine design and
traditional wind turbine designs in terms of cost-effectiveness and/or expenses. It was
shown that traditional wind turbine designs are far more costly than the spiral wind
turbine design.

Conclusion
The general objective of this study, which is to design a wind turbine capable
of generating sufficient electricity even when exposed to slow wind speeds. Based on
the findings and actual observations made from the research questions, the researchers
found out and arrived at a conclusion that a spiral blade design with the correct blade
length, size, and symmetry performed a lot better at generating electricity compared to
traditional wind turbine designs.

Specifically, the following conclusions were drawn:

1. The spiral wind turbine design is effective at capturing wind energy, and is well
suited for urban areas with consistent wind conditions.
2. The voltage output of the spiral wind turbine design is not affected by wind
directions but is affected by wind speeds and size of the spiral blade design.
3. The electricity generation of the spiral blade design is far more efficient in low
wind speeds than traditional blade designs.
4. The spiral wind turbine design is reliable and efficient in generating electricity
compared to traditional wind turbines.
5. The spiral wind turbine design is far cheaper than traditional wind turbine designs.

Recommendation
1. Based on the promising results from the initial tests, the researchers recommend
embarking on a larger- scale project to further explore the potential of the spiral
wind turbine design for power generation. This could involve constructing multiple
turbines in different environments to understand how the design performs under
various wind conditions. Such research could help refine the design, making it even
more efficient at converting wind into electricity.

2. Collaboration between renewable energy experts, engineers, and local communities

is vital for the successful implementation and optimization of spiral wind turbine
technology. By working together, they can identify practical challenges, such as site
selection and maintenance requirements, and develop solutions that are both
technologically sound and community-friendly.

3. Investigate strategies to make the spiral wind turbine technology more accessible
and affordable, particularly in remote or underserved areas. This could include
developing cost-effective manufacturing techniques, exploring subsidy options, or
creating DIY assembly kits that allow local communities to build and maintain their
own turbines. Making the technology more accessible could significantly increase its
impact on global renewable energy efforts.

4. The researchers also suggest pushing the boundaries of the current design to make
the spiral wind turbine even more advanced. This could involve integrating smart
technology that allows the turbines to adjust to changing wind patterns for optimal
performance, or exploring new materials that make the turbines lighter, more durable,
and more efficient. By continuously innovating, the spiral wind turbine could become
a cornerstone of sustainable energy generation.