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Title: Innovative wind machines. Report for 1 Mar--31 aug 1975

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7247081

This report describes theoretical and experimental research concerning the evaluation of two concepts for wind (energy conversion) machines. The first concept is that of a vortex concentrator: a high-lift vertical airfoil in the ambient wind generates a trailing vortex which has its energy harnessed by a relatively small high-speed turbine located just downstream of the wing tip. The device concentrates wind energy so that for a given size turbine the potential power output is greatly increased. Work summarized in this report includes a partial review of available papers on the subject of wing trailing vortices, and some calculations concerning the anticipated output of such a device. Future theoretical and experimental efforts on this project are also discussed. The second concept described is that of a vertical axis panemone device with circulation controlled airfoils for the blades. A preliminary theoretical analysis utilizing strip theory has shown the effect of different design features on its operation, and has led to the design of a test model. The configuration, instrumentation, and control systems of the test model are discussed. Also contained is an outline for a more exact flow theory, which properly takes into account the unsteady aerodynamics involved. (GRA)

Research Organization:
West Virginia Univ., Morgantown (USA). Dept. of Aerospace Engineering
OSTI ID:
7247081
Report Number(s):
PB-252617
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English