Unique Wind Turbine Develops
An all-British consortium has been given the green light to develop a unique vertical axis winged aero-generator turbine, whereby a substantial proportion of the funding – around £20 million – has been granted by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETi) – comprising of private and public monies. The project aims to have 1GW of novel offshore vertical axis NOVA turbines installed by 2014, consisting of 200 x 5MW turbines, or less larger sized turbines.
Wind Power Ltd developed the turbine and heads the project team, including some of the world’s leading research and development groups within the Cranfield, Sheffield and Strathclyde Universities, along with private technology solutions provider QinetiQ. The project is being managed by UK based offshore energy specialists OTM Consulting, and The Centre of Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) will be monitoring the turbines’ design to limit any adverse oceanographic environmental impacts.
The project does generate a higher risk than installing conventional wind turbines, but the development has been spurred on by the UK’s targets for a greatly expanded energy supply. There is a 5kW prototype being tested at Cranfield University where preliminary aerodynamic and aeroelastic power models do suggest that the concept is sound based upon the expertise of David Sharpe, a founder member of the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) with a formidable background in wind power generation.
The key advantages include very low overturning moment, where the support structure is less expensive, and that the nacelle (cover housing) is located at sea level therefore making access and maintenance much easier within an encapsulated, corrosion-proof environment, and the positive result will be greater availability.
Source;
Renerableenergyfocus.com/ News Feature/ (Green light for unique NOVA offshore wind turbine)