Wind Turbine Technology
A wind turbine is a machine which converts the "kinetic" energy in the wind, into electrical energy. This is achieved by using aerodynamically designed blades which convert the linear motion of the wind into rotational motion of a shaft which is connected to a generator. The generator spins a magnet inside a wire coil which produces an electrical current. A number of different designs have been developed, but the most common type uses a shaft which spins on a horizontal axis and has three-blades.
Advantec and CRCD Researchers prepare for a wind turbine test onboard the "Windmobile".
Small and Large
Scale Wind Turbines
Wind turbine designs can be further
classified into two broad categories: small scale, and large or
commercial scale. Small scale turbines usually have a maximum power
output below about 250 kilowatts, and generally are designed for
applications such as powering houses, remote telecommunications sites
and on sailing boats. Large scale turbines usually have a maximum power
output above 250 kilowatts, with most commercial projects using turbines
of around 1 megawatt. Commercial turbines are currently being developed
with power outputs up to 5 megawatts.
Benefits of Small
Scale Wind Turbines
A small scale wind turbine can provide a reliable source of electricity
in remote locations with no fuel costs and no pollution. In locations
with a reasonable wind resource (i.e.: average wind speeds above about 4
metres per second), a small scale wind turbine will produce power much
more cheaply than solar power, but slightly more expensive than micro
hydropower (with a good hydro resource). One disadvantage of this
technology compared to solar power is that they have moving parts which
require some maintenance.
Simple, tried and tested renewable energy technologies that rural people can afford.
Cambodia's Wind
Energy Resources
Most areas of Cambodia have quite low quality wind resource, relative to
other countries. This is mainly due to Cambodia's monsoonal climate, and
low-lying topography. However there are some areas of the country with
sufficient wind resources to make a small wind turbine effective. These
are mainly on hills near the coast, and also in the mountainous areas of
Bokor, Kirrirom, Cardamon Mountains, Aural Mountain, and in Mondulkiri.
And there are also some local topographic features which can improve the
wind energy available, such as small isolated hills and ridgelines in
low-lying rice paddies. CRCD believe that significant numbers of rural
communities in Cambodia live in areas with
adequate wind conditions for wind turbines to provide a cheap and
effective source of power.
A Small Wind
Turbine for Cambodia
CRCD is supporting Dr. Muoy Yin Hak and his team at Advantec Sources, to
develop a low-cost small wind turbine for Cambodia. The aim of the
project is to develop a design which is appropriate and effective for
poor rural communities in Cambodia. This requires a turbine which can
operate well in low wind speeds, is robust and can be produced and
maintained locally at minimal cost. In late 2003 Advantec produced a
prototype design using fibreglass blades and a second-hand alternator
from a car as the generator. Turbine testing is usually conducted under
controlled conditions inside a wind tunnel, however none is available in
Cambodia. So field tests were conducted near Phnom Penh in early 2004
involving mounting the prototype on a car using a specially designed rig
(click here for
a video). The car was then driven at various speeds to monitor the
resulting turbine speed and power output. The results are currently
being analysed to determine the suitability of the turbine for
Cambodia's conditions.
Success! Big-hearted enthusiasm, hard science and your support can make a difference!
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