A Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Feeding Power Into The Utility Grid

A small horizontal axis wind turbine, with about a 2 kW power output, was constructed to convert wind energy into AC power to be fed into the utility grid. The machine is intended to model operation of the larger wind generators now being built. The variable pitch rotor is 18 ft in diameter and has a GA(W)-1 blade airfoil. The rotor is fabricated from sitka spruce mounted on a commercial propeller/hub system. Rotor speeds of from 75 to 150 rpm are used in operation. A chain drive and helical gear drive system steps up rotor speed to 1800 - 3600 rpm to drive a generator connected to the utility grid. The generator can be operated in either an induction or synchronous mode; only the induction mode has been used at the present time. Rotor speed, rotor pitch, turbine azimuth, wind speed and direction, and power output are monitored during operation. Tower azimuth and rotor pitch are controlled during experiments. An automatic data recording system is presently being installed. A microprocessor automatic control system for adjusting azimuth direction and rotor pitch will be installed shortly. A complete set of experiments is planned for the spring of 1978