Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Update on the structural design of the Sandia 34-M Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6479831

Sandia National Laboratories, as lead Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory for Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VWAT) technology development in the USA, has been funded by the Wind/Oceans Technologies Division of the DOE to design and build a 34-M research-oriented VAWT. The machine will incorporate step-tapered blades with natural laminar flow blade sections, and will be capable of operating as either a constant rpm or a continuously-variable rpm machine. Design changes in the last year have reduced the predicted blade flatwise mean stresses by 56% and have reduced the rotor weight by 10,400 kg (23,000 lbs.). Flutter and aeroelastic damping analyses have been completed, instrumentation defined, and initial testing plans developed. The long lead time components of the turbine have been ordered, with deliveries to start in March, 1986. First turn of the turbine is planned for October, 1986.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6479831
Report Number(s):
SAND-85-2534C; CONF-860218-1; ON: DE86004217
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English