Micro-turbina eolica tensegrale ad asse verticale

This work aims to carry out the preliminary design of a tensegrity vertical-axis micro wind turbine. It is a micro wind turbine based on a tensegrity structure and suitable to urban and suburban areas wind conditions. Tensegrity structures are pin-connected frameworks whose elements are bars, which carry tension or compression, and cables, which carry tension only. The scope of this design choice is to propose an innovative solution, capable of combining the advantages of the use of vertical-axis turbines for energy production with the unique tensegrity properties, like their architectural appeal, their lightness and easy of assembly and transport. A FEM analysis was carried out on the base module in order to evaluate its structural response to external loads, and to perform a correct pre-dimensioning. This study showed, thanks also to the realization of physical models, the feasibility of a vertical-axis micro wind turbine based on tensegrity modules.