Simple wind energy measurement for low technology areas - using small wheel with calibrated load and integrating counter

摘要

A robust wind energy conversion and measurement device suitable for use in developing countries gives simple economical measurements. It enables decisions on whether or not it is economical to instal wind energy converters in a given location to be made easily and quickly. A small wind-driven wheel has a load attached generating power at a given rate per rotation which is large compared to the wheel bearing losses and is recorded from the number of wheel rotations as an integral, e.g. using a counter. The number of rotations in each measurement interval corresp. to the work done. The power may be generated as internal fluid friction or eddy currents induced in a conductor moving in a magnetic field. Rotations occurring above a given rate are not recorded.