Recent Advances in Small Wind Turbine Technology

Author:

Clausen P. D.1,Wood D. H.1

Affiliation:

1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Newcastle., University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia

Abstract

This paper reviews some recent advances in the technology of small wind turbines, whose upper power limit we take arbitrarily as 50 kW. Small turbines are used mainly for remote power generation either alone or in conjunction with other energy sources and battery storage. They can be divided into three categories: micro, up to 1 kW; mid-range; and mini-turbines, of 20 kW and larger, intended mainly for wind/diesel mini-grids. The paper discusses a number of issues that are category-dependent; for example, low-wind-speed performance is most critical for microturbines. The starting point for the review is the mature level of large wind turbine technology, and it is demonstrated that this maturity has yet to percolate downwards. Nevertheless, there have been a number of very encouraging recent developments. These include improvements to our understanding of the basic aerodynamics and advances in blade manufacturing, the use of micro-processor controls, and the increasing use of design certification and type approval. The developments are highlighted by two case studies of small turbine design in which the authors were involved. We conclude with a brief discussion of current developments in technology, such as fatigue testing of blades and new methods of blade design, which should further increase the level of small turbine technology towards that of large machines.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

Energy Engineering and Power Technology,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Cited by 39 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3