Operation of a third generation wind turbine
A modern wind turbine was installed on May 26, 1982, at the USDA Conservation and Production Research Laboratory, Bushland, Texas. This wind machine was used to provide electrical energy for irrigation pumping and other agricultural loads. The wind turbine purchased for this research is an Enertech Model 44, manufactured by Enertech Corporation, Norwich, Vermont. The horizontal-axis wind turbine has a 13.4 m diameter, three-bladed, fixed-pitch rotor on a 24.4-m tower. The blades are laminated epoxy-wood, and are attached to a steel hub. A 25-kW induction generator provides 240 V, 60 Hz, single-phase electrical power. The wind turbine operated 64 percent of the time, while being available to operate over 94 percent of the time. The unit had a net energy production of over 80,000 kWh in an average windspeed of 5.9 m/s at a height of 10 m in a 16-month period. The blade pitch was originally offset two degrees from design to maintain power production within the limitations of the gearbox, generator, and brakes. A maximum output of 23.2 kW averaged over a 15-second period indicated that with a new brake, the system was capable of handling more power. After a new brake was installed, the blade pitch was changed to one degree from design. The maximum power output measured after the pitch change was 29.3 kW. Modified blade tip brakes were installed on the wind turbine on July 7, 1983. These tip brakes increased power production at lower windspeeds while reducing power at higher windspeeds.
- Research Organization:
- USDA-ARS, Bushland, Texas
- OSTI ID:
- 6281145
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-831275-
- Journal Information:
- ASAE Tech. Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: ASAE Tech. Pap.; (United States) Vol. 83-4542; ISSN AAEPC
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
170602* -- Wind Energy Engineering-- Turbine Design & Operation
AGRICULTURE
BRAKES
COST
DESIGN
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
ENERGY
ENERGY ANALYSIS
INDUSTRY
IRRIGATION
MACHINE PARTS
MACHINERY
NET ENERGY
OPERATING COST
OPERATION
PERFORMANCE
POWER RANGE 10-100 KW
TURBINE BLADES
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
WIND TURBINES