Feasibility study and performance evaluation of quiet-revolution/GB wind turbines in urban lighting applications

Abstract

Amidst escalating energy costs, the financial burden on municipal budgets for public lighting systems has become particularly heavy. This has propelled the need for the search and implementation of sustainable energy-saving solutions. In this study, we focused on the potential application of the Quiet-Revolution/GB (Gorlov) wind turbines as a promising solution for providing renewable energy to public lighting poles. Specifically, we designed and developed a lighting pole system with a 50W capacity, incorporating the Gorlov wind turbine, optimized for efficient operation even at low wind speeds. The turbine was designed with three blades, each with a twist angle of 64.1 degrees, a height of 1.5 m, and a radius of 0.5 m, aimed at achieving the highest efficiency. Through testing, we found that the turbine could operate on its own at wind speeds as low as 2.5 m/s, producing a 12V output and 50W power at wind speeds of 6 m/s and above, while maintaining a low noise level, highlighting the broad application potential of this solution in urban lighting. This study opens a new direction in the application of wind energy in public lighting systems, contributing to the reduction of energy costs and enhancing the sustainability of urban infrastructure.