How Vertical Wind Systems can Help Overcome Wind Energy Challenges
We wrote a few weeks ago about a new wind turbine that challenges the assumption of the towering turbines you might think of when you consider wind power, and we wanted to share more info with you about how this technology works and how it came to be.
BE-Wind* has created a dual-axis vertical wind system, allowing energy to be generated in tight spaces or low-wind areas, potentially creating a wider market for wind energy. And the company believes that with this new technology, “many operational challenges that have challenged the small wind turbine industry for years have been resolved” and wind energy can expand. Let’s see how it works!
The Science of Wind Power Generation
Current vertical wind generation systems are inherently inefficient because the wind that powers the unit also works against it, as equal amounts of force are applied to both sides of the generator’s blades (see diagram below).
The Evolution of Wind (“EOW”) product line is completely unique in the history of wind turbine technology; it is the only dual-axis vertical wind system with a deflector (diversion) shield on the market today. The design for the EOW started with a foundation within the aerospace industry and used the advanced design processes, modeling tools for fluid dynamic flow analysis, and exhaustive wind tunnel testing, and the company claims that the EOW is the highest performing, most efficient, most reliable small Urban wind turbine in the market today.
Why Choose Vertical Wind Systems?
All vertical wind systems on the market today, regardless of their design and specifications are very inefficient because of the process in which they produce rotation and hence, convert the wind’s power generation capability into electricity.
The same wind that creates rotation on any vertical system also creates resistance, as shown below. Because the parabolic drive side has a larger volume of airflow and force, it creates rotation, but rotation with resistance.
The logical solution to overcome this situation is to block or to divert the airflow from the “counter productive wind force” side of the blade. The challenge is to do it so smartly without impacting the performance of wind turbine, it’s operational stability and its efficiency to generate power.
Because the system now has 2 opposing vertical turbines, it creates a very interesting phenomenon of a self-created “weather” environment of high-pressure zones and a central low-pressure zone, which not only increases performance and efficiency but also reduces the noise in half! When 2 opposing rotations accrue, as shown below, a high-pressure zone is created on the outside edges of the blades and a low-pressure zone develops in the interior. This environment creates a natural muffler effect and a natural vacuum flow towards the interior of the turbine, further reducing the resistance of rotation.
What Makes The Be- Wind EOW Wind Turbine Unique?
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE:
- A unique, patented design that blocks the resistance caused by the wind flow to the
- Operating at lower winds also means the traditional approach of putting wind
- Operating at lower wind speeds also opens up usage of wind turbines in areas of low backside of the blades. This design feature allows power to be generated at very low wind speeds.
PERFORMANCE EFFICIENCY
- EOW deployments and testing results have shown:
- Start up rotation begins at wind speeds as low as 3-4 mph.
- Battery storage/charging at 12-volts and/or 24-volts can be accomplished at wind speeds at 5-6 mph.
- With expanding blade lengths and wind speeds of 8-10 mph, the EOW’s use of low-resistance, axial flux generators can produce 120 volts.
- Grid Tie and or off grid applications.
This post was generously supported by Be Wind. Images from the company, used with permission.