Wind Turbine Rotor Test Stand

Author(s) Information

Ashlen Brooke Sperry, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Cayley Mckee, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Kristofer Lee Pascua, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Francisco Medina, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 2

College of Engineering

Department - Author 2

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 3

College of Engineering

Department - Author 3

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 3

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 4

College of Engineering

Department - Author 4

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 4

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Date

3-2025

Primary Advisor

John Fabijanic, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department

Additional Advisors

Patrick Lemieux, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

Dr. Lemieux and the mechanical engineering department at Cal Poly are renowned for the countless projects that allow students to be a part of hands-on learning and the “Learn by Doing” experience. One such experience is the wind energy class that requires students to design, build, and test wind turbine rotors; however, a test stand for these rotors is needed. Dr. Lemieux and the senior project team will design and build a test stand that will enable the simultaneous testing of two student-designed rotors at the existing wind turbine site. In addition to energy measurement, Lemieux emphasizes the importance of safety for the project. The team developed a design which consists of two independent test stands, each with a generator that is mounted on the existing platform, connected to their own control panels and heaters. A hub was designed to allow for easy attachment of student rotors which were installed on each generator. The control panels measure power, current, voltage, and energy, as well as have an off switch for emergency stop capabilities. The energy from the turbines is safely dissipated by small heaters. The design was validated using FEA and physical testing to ensure each component functions as designed and are safe. Tests were run on the heaters’ capacities, the time it took to attach and detach rotors to the universal hub, the energy measurement capabilities of the test stand, and the similarity between each test stand. The team strived to develop a safe, effective, and reliable wind turbine rotor test stand that meets the needs of Dr. Lemieux, Cal Poly students, and the mechanical engineering department.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/806