Biennial summary, September 1981-August 1983

Technical Report · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:5228561

Nelson, V

The Alternative Energy Institute continued its program of evaluation of wind energy conversion systems, measurement of windspeeds, education and information. The establishment of the Wind Test Center adjacent to the campus was the most important accomplishment during the period. AEI now has the facilities for testing wind turbines for manufacturers and two units were installed by the end of August 1983. Space is available for 10 to 12 wind turbines. The cooperative agreement with the US Department of Agriculture, which began in 1976, continues to be beneficial to both groups. Four new wind turbines plus seven other wind turbines were evaluated. Two more wind turbines were not run during the period. Main results of the evaluation program are: Operating time is needed to obtain information on reliability and maintenance. Small changes in the rotor, such as blade pitch, can make large changes in power output and annual energy production. The wind measurement program is now in the fourth year, and within another two years, a good data base will be established for companies interested in wind farms and installation of large wind turbines. The results of the program is that the amount of energy available at hub heights of large wind turbines is larger than that predicted from data taken at National Weather Service stations. Personnel from AEI have given 20 local and regional presentations, four seminars and four presentations at the international level. AEI is the main source in Texas for information on wind energy as 500 requests are answered each year. Over 3000 pamphlets, brochures, and reports have been sent to technical people and the public. AEI and USDA hosted Wind Energy Expo '82 and National Conference of the American Wind Energy Association. The highlight of the conference was the tour to view the operating wind turbines at the USDA Wind Energy Laboratory.

• Research Organization: West Texas State Univ., Canyon (USA). Alternative Energy Inst.
• OSTI ID: 5228561
• Report Number(s): NP-4900814; ON: DE84900814
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

17 WIND ENERGY
170600* -- Wind Energy Engineering
AVAILABILITY
ENERGY SOURCES
INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
MACHINERY
PERFORMANCE TESTING
POWER
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
TEST FACILITIES
TESTING
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
WIND POWER
WIND TURBINES