Wind Turbine/Research Development - Revision history

Marcin: /* Vertical Axis Wind Turbine */

2016-05-06T08:17:14Z

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

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	===Vertical Axis Wind Turbine===		===Vertical Axis Wind Turbine===

			See notes at [[VAWT]]

	[[File:Pac_wind.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|Pacwind VAWT Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Seahawk]]		[[File:Pac_wind.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|Pacwind VAWT Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Seahawk]]
	Verical Axis Wind Turbines or VAWTs offer a number of advantages over traditional horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs). With careful layout they can be [http://media.caltech.edu/press_releases/13430 packed closer together] in wind farms, allowing more in a given space. This is not because they are smaller, but rather due to the slowing effect on the air that HAWTs have, forcing designers to separate them by ten times their width. VAWTs are rugged, quiet, omni-directional, and they do not create as much stress on the support structure. They do not require as much wind to generate power, thus allowing them to be closer to the ground. By being closer to the ground they are easily maintained and can be installed on chimneys and similar tall structures.		Verical Axis Wind Turbines or VAWTs offer a number of advantages over traditional horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs). With careful layout they can be [http://media.caltech.edu/press_releases/13430 packed closer together] in wind farms, allowing more in a given space. This is not because they are smaller, but rather due to the slowing effect on the air that HAWTs have, forcing designers to separate them by ten times their width. VAWTs are rugged, quiet, omni-directional, and they do not create as much stress on the support structure. They do not require as much wind to generate power, thus allowing them to be closer to the ground. By being closer to the ground they are easily maintained and can be installed on chimneys and similar tall structures.

Marcin: /* Existing open-source wind turbines */

2016-05-06T08:15:49Z

Existing open-source wind turbines

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	*[http://www.onawi.org Onawi] is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing open-source wind turbines. No signs of progress yet, but watch this space.		*[http://www.onawi.org Onawi] is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing open-source wind turbines. No signs of progress yet, but watch this space.
	*[http://kitepowercoop.org/ kite power]		*[http://kitepowercoop.org/ kite power]
			*Onawi - seems to have folded

			==Research Institutes==
			*Danish Folk Center - has a catalogue of small wind turbines - [http://www.folkecenter.net/gb/]. Organization does not appear open source oriented.

	==What kind of turbine?==		==What kind of turbine?==

Marcin at 07:16, 6 May 2016

2016-05-06T07:16:21Z

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	Several wind turbines have already been open-sourced and it should be possible to use them for the [[Global Village Construction Set]]:		Several wind turbines have already been open-sourced and it should be possible to use them for the [[Global Village Construction Set]]:

			*control software for a 225 kW turbine is available from Sandia - [http://energy.sandia.gov/wp-content//gallery/uploads/SWiFT_SAND2013-4078W1.pdf]
	*[http://www.applied-sciences.net/library/zoetrope.php '''Zoetrope'''] is a vertical-axis wind turbine made from common materials such as stove pipe, metal brackets, plastic sheet and a trailer hub. Generates about 150-200W in winds of 20mph (32km/h). [http://www.applied-sciences.net/library/data/zoetrope-wind-turbine.pdf Construction Guide]. The major parts are: [http://69.175.14.181/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_30&products_id=175&osCsid=11bdc6671edf38fcc578ca1da051f8d8 parts kit for $159] (unless you could order one from a Fab Lab/ a hackerspace with a water-jet cutter), [http://www.amazon.com/2x1x1-Turbine-Generator-Neodymium-Magnets/dp/B0012DIXE4 24 neodymium magnets for $140], [http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hubs-and-Drums/Dexter/34822BX.html?feed=npn trailer hub for $26]. There are also a bunch of pieces like nuts and bolts, but those are the main one, and come to $425 excluding shipping.		*[http://www.applied-sciences.net/library/zoetrope.php '''Zoetrope'''] is a vertical-axis wind turbine made from common materials such as stove pipe, metal brackets, plastic sheet and a trailer hub. Generates about 150-200W in winds of 20mph (32km/h). [http://www.applied-sciences.net/library/data/zoetrope-wind-turbine.pdf Construction Guide]. The major parts are: [http://69.175.14.181/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_30&products_id=175&osCsid=11bdc6671edf38fcc578ca1da051f8d8 parts kit for $159] (unless you could order one from a Fab Lab/ a hackerspace with a water-jet cutter), [http://www.amazon.com/2x1x1-Turbine-Generator-Neodymium-Magnets/dp/B0012DIXE4 24 neodymium magnets for $140], [http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hubs-and-Drums/Dexter/34822BX.html?feed=npn trailer hub for $26]. There are also a bunch of pieces like nuts and bolts, but those are the main one, and come to $425 excluding shipping.
	*[http://scoraigwind.co.uk/all-of-the-books-by-hugh-how-to-get-them/ Hugh Piggott's wind turbine] is a world-known horizontal-axis wind turbine, open-source, supported by [http://windempowerment.org/ WindEmpowerment]. Plans are available in books.		*[http://scoraigwind.co.uk/all-of-the-books-by-hugh-how-to-get-them/ Hugh Piggott's wind turbine] is a world-known horizontal-axis wind turbine, open-source, supported by [http://windempowerment.org/ WindEmpowerment]. Plans are available in books.

Mathieu Farges: /* What kind of turbine? */

2015-04-16T16:20:50Z

What kind of turbine?

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	===Horizontal-axis wind turbines===		===Horizontal-axis wind turbines===
			[[File:PiggottHAWT.JPG\|200px\|thumb\|right\|Piggot's Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (Scoraig Wind)]]
	Scoraig Wind has proven the viability of low-cost HAWTs using short wooden blades on a high-rotational-velocity freely-spinning rotor, with hand-wound alternators, in contrast with typical high-power commercial HAWTs that slow blades down using a gearbox (usually the first part to break down, sometimes with a ~5-year service life, and even catch fire during storms), however their plans are not yet open-source.		Scoraig Wind has proven the viability of low-cost HAWTs using short wooden blades on a high-rotational-velocity freely-spinning rotor, with hand-wound alternators, in contrast with typical high-power commercial HAWTs that slow blades down using a gearbox (usually the first part to break down, sometimes with a ~5-year service life, and even catch fire during storms), however their plans are not yet open-source.

Mathieu Farges: /* Existing open-source wind turbines */

2015-04-16T16:13:21Z

Existing open-source wind turbines

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:13, 16 April 2015
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	*[http://www.applied-sciences.net/library/zoetrope.php '''Zoetrope'''] is a vertical-axis wind turbine made from common materials such as stove pipe, metal brackets, plastic sheet and a trailer hub. Generates about 150-200W in winds of 20mph (32km/h). [http://www.applied-sciences.net/library/data/zoetrope-wind-turbine.pdf Construction Guide]. The major parts are: [http://69.175.14.181/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_30&products_id=175&osCsid=11bdc6671edf38fcc578ca1da051f8d8 parts kit for $159] (unless you could order one from a Fab Lab/ a hackerspace with a water-jet cutter), [http://www.amazon.com/2x1x1-Turbine-Generator-Neodymium-Magnets/dp/B0012DIXE4 24 neodymium magnets for $140], [http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hubs-and-Drums/Dexter/34822BX.html?feed=npn trailer hub for $26]. There are also a bunch of pieces like nuts and bolts, but those are the main one, and come to $425 excluding shipping.		*[http://www.applied-sciences.net/library/zoetrope.php '''Zoetrope'''] is a vertical-axis wind turbine made from common materials such as stove pipe, metal brackets, plastic sheet and a trailer hub. Generates about 150-200W in winds of 20mph (32km/h). [http://www.applied-sciences.net/library/data/zoetrope-wind-turbine.pdf Construction Guide]. The major parts are: [http://69.175.14.181/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_30&products_id=175&osCsid=11bdc6671edf38fcc578ca1da051f8d8 parts kit for $159] (unless you could order one from a Fab Lab/ a hackerspace with a water-jet cutter), [http://www.amazon.com/2x1x1-Turbine-Generator-Neodymium-Magnets/dp/B0012DIXE4 24 neodymium magnets for $140], [http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hubs-and-Drums/Dexter/34822BX.html?feed=npn trailer hub for $26]. There are also a bunch of pieces like nuts and bolts, but those are the main one, and come to $425 excluding shipping.
	*[http://scoraigwind.co.uk/all-of-the-books-by-hugh-how-to-get-them/ Hugh Piggott's wind turbine] is a world-known horizontal-axis wind turbine, open-source, supported by [http://windempowerment.org/ WindEmpowerment].		*[http://scoraigwind.co.uk/all-of-the-books-by-hugh-how-to-get-them/ Hugh Piggott's wind turbine] is a world-known horizontal-axis wind turbine, open-source, supported by [http://windempowerment.org/ WindEmpowerment]. Plans are available in books.
	*[http://www.otherpower.com/otherpower_wind.shtml OtherPower.com] have several complete plans for wind turbines that can be built at home. Their site has -		*[http://www.otherpower.com/otherpower_wind.shtml OtherPower.com] have several complete plans for wind turbines that can be built at home. Their site has -
	**[http://www.otherpower.com/turbineplans.shtml Complete plans for a 10 foot (3m) turbine] that puts out 100W in 10mph (16km/h) winds and 700W in 25mph (40km/h) winds.		**[http://www.otherpower.com/turbineplans.shtml Complete plans for a 10 foot (3m) turbine] that puts out 100W in 10mph (16km/h) winds and 700W in 25mph (40km/h) winds.

Mathieu Farges: /* Existing open-source wind turbines */

2015-04-16T16:11:16Z

Existing open-source wind turbines

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	**[http://www.otherpower.com/bigmills1.html Design of a 14 foot (4.25m) turbine] that does 200W in 10mph (16km/h) winds and 1500W in 25mph (40km/h) winds. This is the record of a project rather than a replicable open-source design.		**[http://www.otherpower.com/bigmills1.html Design of a 14 foot (4.25m) turbine] that does 200W in 10mph (16km/h) winds and 1500W in 25mph (40km/h) winds. This is the record of a project rather than a replicable open-source design.
	*[http://www.velacreations.com/chispito.html '''Chispito''' Wind Generator]. Chispito is made from recycled/salvaged materials, completely open-source with clear instructions and designed for simplicity. Open-source instructions for building both the turbine and the tower are available. Each turbine generates about 100W; most people seem to use a bunch of them. This is probably smaller that what we are looking for.		*[http://www.velacreations.com/chispito.html '''Chispito''' Wind Generator]. Chispito is made from recycled/salvaged materials, completely open-source with clear instructions and designed for simplicity. Open-source instructions for building both the turbine and the tower are available. Each turbine generates about 100W; most people seem to use a bunch of them. This is probably smaller that what we are looking for.
	*http://www.scoraigwind.com/ has a lot of information on wind turbines, but no fully open-source plan
	*[http://www.scoraigwind.com/pmgbooklet/itpmg.pdf Open source alternator] for wind turbines
	*[http://www.onawi.org Onawi] is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing open-source wind turbines. No signs of progress yet, but watch this space.		*[http://www.onawi.org Onawi] is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing open-source wind turbines. No signs of progress yet, but watch this space.
	*[http://kitepowercoop.org/ kite power]		*[http://kitepowercoop.org/ kite power]

Mathieu Farges: /* Existing open-source wind turbines */

2015-04-16T16:08:57Z

Existing open-source wind turbines

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:08, 16 April 2015
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	*[http://www.applied-sciences.net/library/zoetrope.php '''Zoetrope'''] is a vertical-axis wind turbine made from common materials such as stove pipe, metal brackets, plastic sheet and a trailer hub. Generates about 150-200W in winds of 20mph (32km/h). [http://www.applied-sciences.net/library/data/zoetrope-wind-turbine.pdf Construction Guide]. The major parts are: [http://69.175.14.181/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_30&products_id=175&osCsid=11bdc6671edf38fcc578ca1da051f8d8 parts kit for $159] (unless you could order one from a Fab Lab/ a hackerspace with a water-jet cutter), [http://www.amazon.com/2x1x1-Turbine-Generator-Neodymium-Magnets/dp/B0012DIXE4 24 neodymium magnets for $140], [http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hubs-and-Drums/Dexter/34822BX.html?feed=npn trailer hub for $26]. There are also a bunch of pieces like nuts and bolts, but those are the main one, and come to $425 excluding shipping.		*[http://www.applied-sciences.net/library/zoetrope.php '''Zoetrope'''] is a vertical-axis wind turbine made from common materials such as stove pipe, metal brackets, plastic sheet and a trailer hub. Generates about 150-200W in winds of 20mph (32km/h). [http://www.applied-sciences.net/library/data/zoetrope-wind-turbine.pdf Construction Guide]. The major parts are: [http://69.175.14.181/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_30&products_id=175&osCsid=11bdc6671edf38fcc578ca1da051f8d8 parts kit for $159] (unless you could order one from a Fab Lab/ a hackerspace with a water-jet cutter), [http://www.amazon.com/2x1x1-Turbine-Generator-Neodymium-Magnets/dp/B0012DIXE4 24 neodymium magnets for $140], [http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hubs-and-Drums/Dexter/34822BX.html?feed=npn trailer hub for $26]. There are also a bunch of pieces like nuts and bolts, but those are the main one, and come to $425 excluding shipping.
			*[http://scoraigwind.co.uk/all-of-the-books-by-hugh-how-to-get-them/ Hugh Piggott's wind turbine] is a world-known horizontal-axis wind turbine, open-source, supported by [http://windempowerment.org/ WindEmpowerment].
	*[http://www.otherpower.com/otherpower_wind.shtml OtherPower.com] have several complete plans for wind turbines that can be built at home. Their site has -		*[http://www.otherpower.com/otherpower_wind.shtml OtherPower.com] have several complete plans for wind turbines that can be built at home. Their site has -
	**[http://www.otherpower.com/turbineplans.shtml Complete plans for a 10 foot (3m) turbine] that puts out 100W in 10mph (16km/h) winds and 700W in 25mph (40km/h) winds.		**[http://www.otherpower.com/turbineplans.shtml Complete plans for a 10 foot (3m) turbine] that puts out 100W in 10mph (16km/h) winds and 700W in 25mph (40km/h) winds.

Gary6464: /* Kite generators */

2014-01-09T04:58:08Z

Kite generators

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	The two main advantages of this design are that reaches the more powerful winds higher up, and it may come in cheaper than a turbine. [http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract/8602/report/F This] report from the WPI Kite Power Team says there is an "anticipated 50% cost savings over wind turbines".		The two main advantages of this design are that reaches the more powerful winds higher up, and it may come in cheaper than a turbine. [http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract/8602/report/F This] report from the WPI Kite Power Team says there is an "anticipated 50% cost savings over wind turbines".

	We can probably buy an off-the-shelf power kite. [http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm/397570670-Kite-Power-Kite-Sport-Kite-5sqm-Sail-Area-Power-Tricktion-Kite-Quad-line-Control-wholesalers.html Here] is a 5m<sup>2</sup> one for $166. [http://www.virtualvillage.com/Items/003300-010 Here] is a 2.7m<sup>2</sup> one for $14. [http://~~www.powerkiteshop~~.com~~/ozone_method.htm~~ This] seems to be a top-of-the-range one - it's $600 for 6.5m<sup>2</sup>. Alternatively, we could try to build our own kite.		We can probably buy an off-the-shelf power kite. [http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm/397570670-Kite-Power-Kite-Sport-Kite-5sqm-Sail-Area-Power-Tricktion-Kite-Quad-line-Control-wholesalers.html Here] is a 5m<sup>2</sup> one for $166. [http://www.virtualvillage.com/Items/003300-010 Here] is a 2.7m<sup>2</sup> one for $14. [http://greenhatkiteboarding.com This] seems to be a top-of-the-range one - it's $600 for 6.5m<sup>2</sup>. Alternatively, we could try to build our own kite.

	This would need to be attached to the open-source [[electric motor]] we're designing, and a microcontroller. All the hardware is on the ground, which makes maintenance and set-up easier. The control will be the main design challenge.		This would need to be attached to the open-source [[electric motor]] we're designing, and a microcontroller. All the hardware is on the ground, which makes maintenance and set-up easier. The control will be the main design challenge.

Voxpopuli at 19:24, 2 March 2013

2013-03-02T19:24:48Z

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	*[[Wind Power Conversation]]		*[[Wind Power Conversation]]
	*[[Wind-Steam_Hybrid_Windmill]]		*[[Wind-Steam_Hybrid_Windmill]]
			*[[Turbinolienne]]

	{{GVCS Footer}}		{{GVCS Footer}}

Marcin at 11:51, 30 August 2012

2012-08-30T11:51:12Z

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	A critical step to make wind profitable or optimal is putting the turbine in the right spot or site (turbine siting). This involves two main factors: the speed of the wind and the turbulence in the wind. Since the energy available in the wind varies with (E ~ v^3) a site with slightly less speed can produce a lot less energy. Siting requires measuring the speed of the wind for at least a year with a measurement mast (or small weather station) in a spot close to the site of the turbine. There exist open-source software to then propagate the measurements (using more or less complex computational fluid dynamics) to find the speeds on the topography. One example: http://awsopenwind.org/		A critical step to make wind profitable or optimal is putting the turbine in the right spot or site (turbine siting). This involves two main factors: the speed of the wind and the turbulence in the wind. Since the energy available in the wind varies with (E ~ v^3) a site with slightly less speed can produce a lot less energy. Siting requires measuring the speed of the wind for at least a year with a measurement mast (or small weather station) in a spot close to the site of the turbine. There exist open-source software to then propagate the measurements (using more or less complex computational fluid dynamics) to find the speeds on the topography. One example: http://awsopenwind.org/

			=Review=

			From MJ, 8/28/12 -

			VAWT windmills are one of those things that many inexperienced people find the holy grail in, and they could work, but are there any economically competitive variants?

			From my understanding, this is one of those things that for a robust, large scale model - the costs go way up. It is one of those things where people say 'Eureka' for small, working models (they do work) - but scaling them is difficult.

			So the question is, if HAWTs are proven, why pursue VAWTs, which are not economically proven? Simple fact: how many VAWT wind farms have you seen, and how many HAWT wind farms have you seen?

			The analysis that one should do is this:

			#Is there data from a small prototype?
			#Is the small prototype scalable to a full machine while not decreasing performance/cost ratio?
			#Are there performance calculations?
			#Is there economic analysis?

			So my conclusion is that unless there is evidence that the performance to cost ratio can exceed that of HAWT designs, we should go with the HAWT. This has to consider the lifetime of the turbine.

	==References==		==References==