Abstract
A small scale vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with
axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) generator has been
designed and magnetic levitation method is used to
increase the efficiency of this type of wind turbine [1].
Magnetic levitation is inserted by using rare earth
permanent magnets, the repelling force of magnets are
used to suspend the rotating part of both turbine and
generator. Moreover, design of simple generator which
can easily drive without geared mechanism, lessen cost
and the complexity of the system by reducing the
quantity of driving components. Three phase output is
obtained from designed generator which is converted into
direct current through three-phase rectifier to charge the
batteries. The performance of proposed prototype is also
tested experimentally. The turbine performs as predicted
by the design process.