Wear and environmental effects on the Kahuku MOD-0A wind turbine
Over 38,000 hours of operating time were logged by the four 200-kW MOD-0A wind turbines between November 1977 and June 1982. During this time, considerable data and other information were collected from this experimental program, which was funded by the US Department of Energy and managed by the NASA Lewis Research Center. Two of the MOD-0A wind turbines were given a detailed inspection after disassembly to identify particular component problems or excessive wear that might affect the viability of commercial wind turbines. The Kahuka MOD-0A, located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, was disassembled and inspected in October 1983. The results of the inspection and the operating experiences of Hawaiian Electric Company (the host utility) indicated a successful wind turbine experiment from the standpoint of energy generation and availability. However, several component life and serviceability issues were identified where attention is needed to improve the prospects for successful commercial wind power generation stations in the future. The highlights of the overall MOD-0A program operating experiences are presented, with emphasis on the Kahuku wind turbine. A detailed report on the visual inspection performed on the Kahuku unit is included.
- Research Organization:
- Burns and McDonnell Engineering Co., Kansas City, MO (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6081805
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-AP-3813; ON: TI85920205
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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