Development of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Powered Water Heater
Daniel Weiner
Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
A water heater using a vertical axis turbine as the sole source of energy is being developed. The goal is to
use a churn device powered by the wind turbine in order to heat the water. The theory behind the churn is
to create as much friction between water molecules as possible in order for the friction to transfer into
heat. One goal is to determine if this is more efficient than converting to electricity before heating the
water. Various churn designs; suck as a paddle and baffle design and a spinning plate design are being
tested for efficiency. Also, as this design is meant to be usable in a residential home, there has been
research done on small scale vertical axis wind turbines in order to make them both more efficient and
self starting. Testing of various churns and turbines has occurred, giving promising results for a final
project. The goal after testing is finished is to match the optimal turbine and churn in both speed and
torque to maximize performance.
2012, Mechanical Engineer, Honors Program, Dr. Kenneth Visser
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