Performance testing of the optimised SSWT with the developed DAQ system was undertaken at the Energy Technology Centre in East Kilbride. A series of tests were carried out in a wind tunnel to determine the performance characteristics of the turbine and to also quantify the mechanical improvements made to the system. All of the performance data in this section was logged directly from the turbine using the µ_DAQ system.
For more information on the testing facilities visit Energy Technology Centre.
Prior to experimental testing a thorough test schedule was developed in order to fully analyse test variables. This was designed to specifically target key areas affected by mechanical optimisations.
All of the performance data was logged directly from the turbine using the µ_DAQ system.
After putting the wind turbine through a series of different tests, the data logged from the data acquisition system was analysed so that the results from each test could be quantified. The results below show two of the main tests undertaken at the ETC wind tunnel, both clearly indicating the improved performance.
The main objective of the testing was to obtain the power curve for the fully optimised unit. This was achieved by running the unit through a range of different wind speeds so that the power output from the turbine at each wind speed could be logged. From this testing the following power curve for the wind turbine was obtained.
The vibration of the turbine was characterised using an accelerometer. The graphs below show the output from the two tests run before and after the damper was fixed on. It can be seen that the high frequency components of vibration are effectively reduced.
