Comparative analysis of a low-speed wind tunnel designed for renewable energy applications

Craig A Zehrung, Purdue University

Abstract

This thesis describes the design, testing, and validation of an open-circuit, mid-sized wind tunnel used for the teaching of undergraduate courses and testing of green energy wind turbines. This thesis uses computational fluid dynamics to determine theoretical values for flow of the wind tunnel which were statistically compared to actual values of fluid flow. An overall analysis of efficiency and effectiveness were also performed. However, aerodynamic testing of actual prototype turbines will not be covered in this thesis, as it does not concern the tunnels adherence to theoretical flow values.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

French, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Mechanical engineering|Energy

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