Structural Composites Industries 4-kilowatt wind-system development. Phase I. Design and analysis executive summary

Technical Report · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5346409· OSTI ID:5346409

Malkine, N.; Bottrell, G.; Weingart, O.

A 4 kW small wind energy conversion system (SWECS) has been designed for residential applications in which relatively low (10 mph) mean annual wind speeds prevail. The objectives were to develop such a machinee to produce electrical energy at 6 cents per kWh while operating in parallel with a utility grid or auxiliary generator. Extensive trade, optimization and analytical studies were performed in an effort to provide the optimum machine to best meet the objectives. Certain components, systems and manufacturing processes were tested and evaluated and detail design drawings were produced. The resulting design is a 31-foot diameter horizontal axis downwind machine rated 5.7 kW and incorporating composite blades; free-standing composite tower; and torque-actuated blade pitch control. The design meets or exceeds all contract requirements except that for cost of energy. The target 6 cents per kWh will be achieved in a mean wind speed slightly below 12 mph instead of the specified 10 mph.

• Research Organization: Structural Composites Industries, Azusa, Ca.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Wind Energy Technology Division
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP03533
• OSTI ID: 5346409
• Report Number(s): RFP-3266/1; ON: DE82013672
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

17 WIND ENERGY
170602* -- Wind Energy Engineering-- Turbine Design & Operation
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
COST
DESIGN
ENERGY SYSTEMS
INCLINATION
INTERCONNECTED POWER SYSTEMS
MACHINERY
MANUFACTURING
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
OPTIMIZATION
PERFORMANCE
POWER RANGE 1-10 KW
POWER SYSTEMS
TESTING
TOWERS
TURBINE BLADES
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
WIND TURBINES