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A Novel Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine for Distributed & Utility ...

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A Novel Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine for Distributed &

Utility Deployment

J.-Y. Park*, S. Lee*

, T. Sabourin**, K. Park**

* Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, Korea

KR Wind Energy Research Institute, Korea

** KR Windpower, Inc., U.S.A.

ABSTRACT

KR Windpower, Inc. has developed a patented vertical-axis wind turbine line for both
utility and distributed applications. Utility-scale turbines (1.5MW) are currently being
installed in wind projects in Asia, while concomitant certification is ongoing. The KR
wind technology has very high power-to-swept area efficiency and therefore works
especially well around houses and buildings and in other applications where traditional
three-blade horizontal axis turbines do not. Additionally, due to its low rotor speed (but
with high torque, even at low wind speeds) and optimal rotor design, KR's patented
turbine is vitually noiseless, making it especially attractive for installation in residential
and recreational areas. Field testing of 1, 3, and 5kW turbines has resulted in cut-in
speed of 2.5m/s and rated speeds of 9~12.5m/s. Thus, electricity is generated even at
low wind speeds. This paper presents measured performances of a small-scale,
vertical, wind turbine rated as 1 kW which has a tail consisted of a stabilizer and a
rudder. Compared with the maximum power coefficient of 0.59 for a downsized model
measured in a closed-type wind tunnel, the maximum turbine power coefficient
averaged 0.5 at a tip-speed ratio of 0.5-0.6 in an open-type wind tunnel. The KR
small-class turbines are based on IEC wind turbine class III, which specifies that the
highest 10 minute-mean wind speed is 37.5m/s or less for the last 50 years. However,
steady loadings by the extreme wind model of 52.5m/s were implemented, and the
turbine was proven to be safe by its furling tail. A key element of KR Windpower's
strategy is to provide a turbine product, including a wind/solar hybrid concept, which
addresses power and aesthetic needs of developers and communities.
Key Words: Wind Turbine, Vertical-axis, Distributed, Utility, Residential

Nomenclature
A : Projected area of turbine rotor P

: Wind power

: Power coefficient V

: Wind speed

D : Rotor diameter (r=D/2) : Tip Speed Ratio (TSR)
H : Turbine height : Air density : Air density
P

: Turbine output power : Turbine rotor angular rotational speed