THE UNIVERSITY of Glasgow has been carrying out research on small scale wind turbines in cooperation with green energy company Gaia-Wind – and found that, crucially, larger blades are more efficient at generating electricity in lower wind speeds.
This is important because, while the giant wind farms are mostly sited on hillsides and coasts with little population – smaller wind turbines – serving farms and businesses, are in more populated areas with less wind.
The research focused on the effects of changes in the number of rotor blades; the size of the blades; and the electrical design of the generator.
This potential to increase efficiency comes at a critical time for the small scale renewable energy sector, as from the beginning of April, owners of small wind turbines have been able to generate income from producing their own renewable electricity.
The Government has also recently announced support for new testing infrastructure and related equipment to be based at East Kilbride.
Gaia-Wind’s managing director Jonnie Andringa said: “More and more of our customers are seeing small wind turbines as part of the solution to the moral and ethical issues around energy consumption. And, whether they are farms, businesses or private citizens, we believe they are entitled to a good return on their investment.
“The research also shows the direction for our future R and D work; innovation, can be tested with these modelling tools prior to starting the engineering work.”..taken from Scottish Farmer
