Magnetic levitation using Neodymium magnets for vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs)

Abstract

This report is concerned with the design and construction of a prototype Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine, magnetically levitated via the use of Neodymium magnets arranged in configurations known as ‘Halbach arrays’. The topics of Wind Energy, various methods of Magnetic Levitation and a comparison of Horizontal-Axis and Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines are also covered. The prototype itself is designed to test the feasibility of the use of magnetic levitation in wind energy generation, and its design is based on the ‘Inductrack’ concept, and consists of the base of the wind turbine, which is spun by a motor, simulating the wind.