A Review and Prototype Proposal for a 3 m Hybrid Wind–PV Rotor with Flat Blades and a Peripheral Ring

This paper presents a literature review of low-power hybrid wind–photovoltaic (PV) systems and introduces a 3 m diameter prototype rotor featuring twelve PV-coated pivoting blades stiffened by a peripheral rim. Existing solutions—foldable umbrella concepts, Darrieus rotors with PV-integrated blades, and morphing blades—are surveyed, and current gaps in simultaneous wind + PV co-generation on a single moving structure are highlighted. Key performance indicators such as power coefficient (Cp), DC ripple, cell temperature difference (ΔT), and levelised cost of energy (LCOE) are defined, and an integrated assessment methodology is proposed based on blade element momentum (BEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling, dynamic current–voltage (I–V) testing, and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) to evaluate system performance and reliability. Preliminary results point to moderate aerodynamic penalties (ΔCp ≈ 5–8%), PV output during rotation equal to 15–25% of the nominal PV power (PPV), and an estimated 70–75% reduction in blade–root bending moment when the peripheral ring converts each blade from a cantilever to a simply supported member, resulting in increased blade stiffness. Major challenges include the collective pitch mechanism, dynamic shading, and wear of rotating components (slip rings); however, the suggested technical measures—maximum power point tracking (MPPT), string segmentation, and redundant braking—keep performance within acceptable limits. This study concludes that the concept shows promise for distributed microgeneration, provided extensive experimental validation and IEC 61400-2-compliant standardisation are pursued. This paper has a dual scope: (i) a concise literature review relevant to low-Re flat-blade aerodynamics and ring-stiffened rotor structures and (ii) a multi-fidelity aero-structural study that culminates in a 3 m prototype proposal. We present the first evaluation of a hybrid wind–PV rotor employing untwisted flat-plate blades stiffened by a peripheral ring. Using low-Re BEM for preliminary loading, steady-state RANS-CFD (k-ω SST) for validation, and elastic FEM for sizing, we assemble a coherent load/performance dataset. After upsizing the hub pins (Ø 30 mm), ring (50 × 50 mm), and spokes (Ø 40 mm), von Mises stresses remain < 25% of the 6061-T6 yield limit and tip deflection ≤ 0.5%·R acrosscut-in (3 m s−1), nominal (5 m s−1), and extreme (25 m s−1) cases. CFD confirms a broad efficiency plateau at λ = 2.4–2.8 for β ≈ 10° and near-zero shaft torque at β = 90°, supporting a three-step pitch schedule (20° start-up → 10° nominal → 90° storm). Cross-model deviations for Cp, torque, and pressure/force distributions remain within ± 10%. This study addresses only the rotor; off-the-shelf generator, brake, screw-pitch, and azimuth/tilt drives are intended for later integration. The results provide a low-cost manufacturable architecture and a validated baseline for full-scale testing and future transient CFD/FEM iterations.