Life cycle assessment of vertical axis wind turbine

• Main Author: Neo, Jin Rong
• Other Authors: Sridhar Idapalapati
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Alternative, renewable energy sources; DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Motors, engines and turbines
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/46081
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In this report, the Life cycle assessment (LCA) of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) will be investigated. The H-Rotor wind turbine placed in the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) will be the model for all our assumptions and calculations. There are many materials that possess the strength and rigidity of the current material. However, there is a trade-off between cost and environmental impacts and the user must determine the balance between performance and the other two parameters. Potentially, the 3 other materials that are able to replace the current aluminium alloy for the blades and galvanized steel for the tower are CFRP, cast iron and titanium alloy. Each material has its pros and cons and thus an eco-audit of the turbine is done to use environmental impact as a benchmark to determine the most suitable material for replacement. All the findings are demonstrated and presented in this project. Keywords: Life cycle assessment, cost, environmental impact, eco-audit