Wind-Assist Irrigation and Electrical-Power Generation. Final Report

摘要

A wind turbine is mechanically connected to an existing irrigation well. The system can be operated in three modes: (1) electric motor driving the water turbine pump. (2) Wind assist mode where wind turbine supplements power from the utility line to drive the water turbine pump. At wind speeds of 12 m/s and greater, the wind turbine can pump water (15 kW) and feed power (10 kW) back into the utility grid at the same time. (3) Electrical generation mode where the water pump is disconnected and all power is fed back to the utility grid. The concept is technically viable as the mechanical connection allows for a smooth transfer of power in parallel with an existing power source. Minor problems caused delays and major problems of two rotor failures precluded enough operation time to obtain a good estimation of the economics. Because reliability and maintenance are difficult problems with prototype or limited production wind energy conversion systems, the expense of the demonstration project has exceeded the estimated cost by a large amount. During the two year period, the wind turbines were operational 1400 hours and generated 2540 kWh of energy. The dollar value of the energy was only $140. Major problems have been experienced with the wind turbine during the entire project. The original prototype lost a blade in October 1979. Another prototype was developed which had a larger diameter and a microprocessor control system at ground level. A Wingen 2 was installed in May 1980; however, problems with its control system prevented shakedown testing until July. In March 1981, another major rotor failure occurred. Instead of repairing the wind turbine, Wind Engineering agreed to install their third generation design, a completely new machine for $5000. (ERA citation 08:012266)