Low-cost bamboo lattice towers for small wind turbines

• Published in: Energy for sustainable development Vol. 28; pp. 21 - 28
• Main Authors: Adhikari, R.C., Wood, D.H., Sudak, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.10.2015
• Subjects: Bamboo; Bamboo tower; Buckling strength; Finite element modeling; Small wind turbines; Small wind turbines; Bamboo tower; Finite element modeling; Buckling strength; Bamboo
• ISSN: 0973-0826
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esd.2015.06.006

We investigate the feasibility of using bamboo in triangular lattice towers, to be used with small wind turbines. To examine the feasibility, experimental tests on bamboo's material properties and design analysis of a 12m high bamboo tower for a 500W wind turbine have been carried out. Essential material properties of a typical bamboo species for structural analysis of the tower have been experimentally determined. Analytical and finite element methods have been used in the analysis. The result of this study demonstrates the feasibility of designing bamboo lattice towers for small wind turbines, which shows promising cost reduction potential for small wind turbine towers in developing countries. •Bamboo is suitable for small wind turbine towers.•The mechanical strength of Nepalese bamboo has been measured.•A typical design of a 12m lattice tower is developed.•The critical issues are the longevity of bamboo and its joining.•A simple joining system was investigated.