DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A MODEL FORM OF AN ARCHIMEDES SPIRAL WIND TURBINE FOR SMALL SCALE POWER GENERATION

As global demand for clean and sustainable energy grows, the limitations of conventional wind turbines especially in urban and low-wind environments highlight the need for innovative alternatives. This project proposes the design and fabrication of a model form of an Archimedes Spiral Wind Turbine (ASWT) optimized for small-scale power generation. Unlike traditional Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs), the ASWT leverages a unique spiral blade geometry to harness both lift and drag forces, allowing it to operate efficiently at low wind speeds (as low as 2.5 m/s) while producing minimal noise. The proposed turbine system was developed using accessible, low-cost materials such as thin galvanized steel sheets and galvanized pipes. It was also integrated into three key subsystems: a wind energy conversion unit (blades, hub, and frame), an electrical power system (featuring a generator, a 12V DC battery, a charge controller and an inverter) and a real-time monitoring unit (based on Arduino and a Hall Effect sensor to display RPM). It was observed from the results of the project that the ASWT was able to rotate and generate readable voltages and currents at wind speeds as low as 2.0m/s as was recorded in Nsukka during the field tests. This research provides insights into the probability of exploration of compact wind turbines in our urban areas.