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.
Keywords
Wind Tunnel, Renewable Energy, Wind Turbines, Wind, Tunnel, Labview
Date of this Version
2011
Department
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Department Head
Dr. Vahid Motevalli
Month of Graduation
August
Year of Graduation
2011
Degree
Master of Science
Head of Graduate Program
Dr. James Mohler
Advisor 1 or Chair of Committee
Dr. Richard Mark French
Committee Member 1
Dr. Helen McNally
Committee Member 2
Dr. Rodney Handy