Optimizing power output, using power curve data, for small wind turbines
Problem statement
The generation of electricity from windmills can be traced back as early as the nineteenth century and has recently become a rapidly growing industry [1]. Over the past 30 years, the total U.S. electric generation from wind turbines has increased from ~6 billion kW/h to ~300 billion kW/h and accounts for approximately 7.9% of the total U.S electricity generated [4]. This has sparked the interest of many small business owners and individuals who wish to further their contribution to sustainable energy. One estimate expects the global installed capacity of small wind turbine energy to grow from 176.4 MW in 2017 to 446 MW in 2026 [2]. Our client, a local WI dairy farmer and UW alumni, has put time and energy into the construction of a homemade wind turbine that follows the footsteps of a Swedish innovator. While his wind turbine is functional, it is plagued with many of the same conventional problems wind turbines exhibit that can result in high levels of maintenance or even destruction of the turbine itself with excessive rotational speeds. Using power curve data to allow the invertor to draw more power and allowing more electrical resistance, therefore reducing rotational speed of the turbine. Ultimately, we aim to help minimize the amount of maintenance needed and improve the performance of our client’s windmill all while keeping economics and feasibility in mind. The team also plans on designing a tower for 15 ft. blades.
Team members
Jake Konieczka – leader
Elizabeth Pulvermacher – communicator
Lane Nicholds – accountant
Trevor Rusch – admin
Client
Loren Johnson, D&L Johnson Farms LLC