Keita Sagara

A Study of Small Wind Turbine Generation System for Extreme Weather Conditions

This Paper Presents a study of small scall wind powered generation systems combined with solar cell generation unit as a reliable electric power source at the mountainous regions ranging from Himaraya via Tianshan to Mongolia. In these mountainous region, wind is strong in all seasons and almost constantly available. The weather conditions in these regions are extreme; e.g., air density is about 1/3 of sea level value, the lowest temperature is almost -60 degrees centigrade and the wind velocity can reach 100m/s. Since helicopters are not operatable, each part of the generation system must be carefully arranged for transportation and development. In this paper, a hybrid power system combined with the wind powered generator of 150W (max. 500W) output and the solar cell is described. Especially, the design and the wind tunnel test performance of the two-bladed propeller type wind turbine are shown in detail. This paper also presents the result of weather exposure test conducted at a site of 2800m elevation with the similar weather condition to the expected deployment points. Effects of weather especially temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, snow and icing on the performance of this system are investigated and we confirmed rehable and satisfactory operation of this small, independent power source.

Research and Development of Straight Wing Non-Articulated Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

In this paper we will present some novel results of our research and development in the filed of wind energy utilization. Our effort in this filed is mainly concentrated to the conceptual design of optimum airfoil sections for the blade of straight wing non-articulated vertical axis wind turbine which undergo cross wind motion. This concept was embodied in the design of a family of airfoil sections designated as Tokai Wind Turbine (TWT) sections and a series of wind tunnel testing was conducted to confirm its desired aerodynamic characteristics. Then, we designed an experimental straight wing non-articulated vertical axis wind turbine system with straight blades to evaluate system performance and structural analysis results, and furthermore to collect operating experiences under real, fluctuating wind conditions. We are now working for evaluating operational feasibility of five sets of different straight wing non-articulated vertical axis wind turbines system, which are partially in service as pilot plants of regional energy development.