VAWT

Calculations

• Power Production - take this 16 kW VAWT - [1] at $65k in kit form (assumes $30k more for BOS). For average 6.5 m/s wind in Maysville, MO - power production is 4 kW for 8760 hours - or 35 MW hours! At 10 cents per kWhr - 35,000 kWhr is $3500 worth of electricity. Clear capacity to export to the grid.

• 7.4x4.7 diameter and height for a swept area of 35 sq m. If power proportional to swept area, then 3 kw at 6 m/s translates to 1 kW average power with a 12 sq meter swept area.

• Comparison to PV - $4/Watt vs 40 cents per watt for PV - 10x less cost for PV. Cost of wind can be reduced to: $3k generator (off shelf), $10k structure. 3" shaft and bearings - $30/foot for shaft of 10' length = $300 + $100 bearings. DIY direct drive PM generator cost should be explored. Brute force electronics can be done. Cost design calculations should be done.

Links

Tech assessment. Is the VAWT a feasible candidate for wind power? Low cost due to ground mounting are a potential advantage

• discussion of pros and cons - [2]

Sourcing

• 50 kW brushless generator head, 1800 rpm - $2.2k [3]