Field Test Report of the Department of Energy's 100-KW Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

摘要

Three second-generation Darrieus-type vertical axis wind turbines of approximately 120-kW capacity per unit were installed in 1980-1981. Through March 1984, over 9000 hours of operation had been accumulated, including 6600 hours of operation on the unit installed in Bushland, Texas. The turbines were heavily instrumented and have yielded a large amount of test data. This report summarizes the test results of this program, including aerodynamic, structural, drive-train, and economic data. Among the most favorable results were an aerodynamic peak performance coefficient of 0.41; fundamental structural integrity requiring few repairs and no major component replacements as of March 1984; and an average prototype fabrication cost of approximately $970 per peak kilowatt of output. The report closes with a review of potential design improvements. (ERA citation 10:020413)