Performance predictions for an intermediate-sized VAWT based on performance of the 34-M VAWT test bed

Conference · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:5384907

Dodd, H. M. ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)

The DOE/Sandia 34-m Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) Test Bed is a research turbine that has been in operation for over a year. With the advanced technology components incorporated in the turbine (including airfoils, structures and variable speed operation), its performance can be used to predict next generation commercial VAWT potential. This paper begins with the predicted and measured performance results obtained from the Test Bed and applies these results to a hypothetical commercial machine of the same size. The effects of a number of parameters are included in the performance analyses. First, the importance of siting considerations are presented, including wind frequency distributions (both real and Rayleigh) and mean wind speed and wind shear effects. Next, the paper shows the relative contribution of variable speed operation to improved performance and discusses other aspects of variable speed. The predicted performance of a 34-m VAWT is compared to existing machines, with annual energy capture per unit of swept area being the primary comparative metric. Finally, some cost of energy considerations associated with these technological advances are covered. 10 refs., 6 figs.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE/CE
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5384907
• Report Number(s): SAND-89-1536C; CONF-900136-4; ON: DE90002835
• Resource Relation: Conference: 9. ASME wind energy symposium, New Orleans, LA (USA), 14-17 Jan 1990
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

17 WIND ENERGY
VERTICAL AXIS TURBINES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
DYNAMICS
SITE CHARACTERIZATION
TURBINE BLADES
TURBULENCE
VELOCITY
WIND POWER
WIND TURBINES
ENERGY SOURCES
MACHINERY
MECHANICS
POWER
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
TESTING
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
170602* - Wind Energy Engineering- Turbine Design & Operation