Vertical Axis Wind Turbines in a Highway Median Setting

Matthew Browne, working with Dr. Todd Waggoner and Frank Martinez
With the onset of climate change upon us and the need for the reduction in fossil fuel usage, the
increased application of wind energy has become very important. Wind turbines are a clean and
reliable way to generate energy with little impact on the environment.
There are two main types of wind turbines which are categorized by their axis of rotation, horizontal
and vertical. The use of horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) is much more common than the use
of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) (5). This is because HAWTs typically have better efficiencies
and power outputs than VAWTs, especially at higher wind speeds and heights (6). VAWTs are
typically put into one of two subtypes, Darrieus and Savonius. Darrieus wind turbines have
efficiencies and outputs close to those of HAWTs, but they can take up a large amount of space
and can also be difficult to operate and maintain (2) . Savonius wind turbines have much lower
power output and efficiencies, but can operate better at lower wind speeds (3).

Results
The table below shows the compiled data of the wind testing in on Route 6, including the direction the wind, its
speed, and frequency. The graphs below show the wind speed, gust speed, and estimated background wind
speed for three of the data collections.
*The estimated background wind speeds are based off what other weather stations measured for the surrounding area, and are
collected at a much greater height than where we collected our data. As such they are higher than what would be measured near the
ground where our data was collected.

Table 1

Speed

(mph)

Direction
N (0)
NE (45)
E (90)
ESE (113)
SE (135)
SSE (158)
S (180)
SW (225)
W (270)
NW (315)

0-2
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
2.56%
0.00%
0.00%

2-4
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
2.56%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
2.56%
0.00%
0.00%

Total

2.56%

5.13%

Wind Measurements for 7-1-11 in the center of the median of State Route
6, South of Bowling Green Ohio

4-6
5.13%
0.00%
0.00%
2.56%
2.56%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
5.13%

6-8
0.00%
5.13%
2.56%
2.56%
2.56%
0.00%
5.13%
2.56%
0.00%
0.00%

8-10
7.69%
5.13%
0.00%
2.56%
2.56%
0.00%
5.13%
2.56%
5.13%
0.00%

10-12
7.69%
2.56%
0.00%
0.00%
2.56%
2.56%
0.00%
7.69%
0.00%
2.56%

15.38% 20.51% 30.77% 25.64%

11

Total
20.51%
12.82%
2.56%
10.26%
10.26%
2.56%
10.26%
17.95%
5.13%
7.69%

10
9
8

2
1
0
1

15

12

14

11

13

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

Time (48 Second Interval)

Measured Wind Speed

11

Estimated Background Wind Speed*

Measured Wind Gust

10
9
8
7
6
5

9
8
7
6
5
4

3
2

1
2

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

0
1

Time (48 second interval)

As we worked with the weather station and became accustomed

to it, the way it was used as well as the way data was collected,
changed. The first few highway research outings were left up to
the data logger to collect and manage the data. It was found then
that the data logger only recorded data every five minutes, which
was not frequent enough for our purposes. From then on data
was recorded by hand as it updated on the wireless computer
interface, which was approximately every 48 seconds. Data was
then compiled and transferred into excel for analysis.

10

12

Data was collected in the afternoon on various dates throughout

June and July, 2011. The weather station was placed at varying
distances inside the median of the highway. Information was then
transmitted to a data logger and recorded digitally and also
sometimes by hand. Afterwards, the normal wind speed for the
area was then found using online information such as
weather.com and ODOT weather stations.

13

16

Our work began in the computer lab to do research, find

materials, and find the necessary equipment to do our wind data
collection. To ensure that we would be able to collect the
necessary data with a limited budget we constructed our own
testing equipment using PVC pipe and an Ambient Weather
Home Weather Station. PVC pipe portion of the stand was
planned out and designed using the 3D modeling program
SolidWorks. We then received a permit from the District 2 Ohio
Department of Transportation to do our testing in the median of
State Route 6, South of Bowling Green, Ohio.

14

17

Methods

Wind Measurements for 7-13-11 in the median of State Route 6, South of

Bowling Green, OH approx. 12ft from the Northern Road

Speed (mph)

The idea of using highways to generate energy is not a new one. The basic premise has been seen and
used in a variety of ways in various places, but its use is still not widespread as the concept is still taking
shape.

100.00%

18

Speed (mph)

One of the main issues with wind turbines is that the wind needed to run them is not always consistent or
readily available (6). That is why for this research project we have looked at highway medians as a
potential for the placement of vertical axis wind turbines. Our goal is to see whether or not there is a
significant increase in wind speed and/or wind gusts in a highway median induced by the passing vehicles.

Wind Measurements for 7-8-11 in the median of State Route 6, South of

Bowling Green, OH approx. 8ft from the Northern Road

Background

Speed (mph)

Introduction

Measured Wind Speed

Estimated Background Wind Speed*

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Time (48 second interval)

Measured Wind Gust

Measured Wind Speed

Estimated Background Wind Speed*

Measured Wind Gust

Turbine Model & Research Results

In conjunction with our wind speed testing on Route 6 we also researched wind turbines to order
discover which turbine type would be most appropriate for a highway median setting. Based off of
our research we concluded that the Savonius vertical axis wind turbine is likely the most suitable as it
performs well in low wind speeds and high gusts (5). It is also capable of being made in various
sizes and materials and can thus be designed to pose as little threat to passing vehicles as possible.
The solid, half-circle blades of the Savonius also make them easily seen and avoidable to drivers and
wildlife alike (2). Using this information and various guides on the internet, we then constructed a
model of a Savonius turbine that would be most suitable for a highway setting (4).

Discussion & Conclusion

Based off the data collected there is a significant increase in the speed of wind gusts in the
median of State Route 6. The wind speeds and wind gusts are consistent with what would be
operational for a Savonius Vertical Axis Wind Turbine. Having wind come from multiple
directions is also fine for a Savonius turbine as they can capture wind from any direction (2). It
can thus be concluded that a Savonius vertical axis wind turbine would operate well in the
setting of a highway median.
The city of Bowling Green, Ohio has four large horizontal axis wind turbines, yet it is not a high
wind class area (1). There are many areas throughout the United States that are not typically
suitable for the conventional horizontal axis wind turbine, but these areas may be able to
instead take advantage of vehicle induced wind on highways. Using vertical axis wind turbines
in a highway setting could be a great way to bring ( or expand) wind power to areas that may
not normally have had the opportunity for it. It is possible that the development of highway wind
power could greatly offset the need for burning fossil fuels and provide clean energy to many
areas.
The research continues as we now look to find how much energy we could expect to get out of
a VAWT in a highway setting, and how feasible this practice would be.

References
(1) Blair, N., Heimiller, D., et al. Modeling the Long-Term Market Penetration of Wind in the
United States. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Presented at the American Wind
Energy Association WindPower 2003 Conference. July 2003.
(2) Carper, Christopher. Design and Construction of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines using Duallayer Vacuum-forming. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. June 2010.
(3) Koch-Ciobotaru, C. Data Acquisition System for a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Prototype.
Selected Topics in Energy, Environment, Sustainable Development and Landscaping. Ministry
of Labour, Family and Social Protection, Romania. 2009.
(4) Mussel, Dave. Build Your Own Wind Turbine. Greenlearning.ca The Ontario Trillium
Foundation. <re-energy.ca>
(5) The Zeotrope: A Low-Cost, Open Source Wind Turbine. <Applied-sciences.net> February
2011.
(6) Zingman, Aron. Optimization of a Savonius Rotor Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine for Use in
Water Pumping Systems in Rural Honduras. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. June
2007.
(Special Thanks to ODOT District 2 for the permit allowing us to collect our data).