Feasibility Studies on a Small-Scale Wind Turbine for the Mountainous Area

Abstract

In this study, a small-scale wind turbine for the mountainous area is developed. The technical features of this wind turbine are the high performance rotor with a blade tip-mounted Mie vane, the passive power control by a pitch-flap mechanism and a variable speed induction generator with inverter system. The test wind turbine is tested in Mie University wind turbine test field in a mountainous area. The output power performance, the passive power control in high wind speed, the performance improvement by the variable speed operation and the quality of power are discussed. As the results, it is demonstrated the power control by a passive pitch-flap mechanism, the suppressing effects for the fluctuating moments on the blade root and the characteristics of the variable speed generating system. Some flow patterns on the blade are shown.