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In the last decade, the large-scale systems (500 – 1000 kW) have remarkable progresses, due to a well-funded
intensive R-D effort. The economic success of the large-scale wind turbines is conditioned by their installation in places
with intensive and constant wind. A recent complementary trend, of large potential and expectations, is coming back to the
small wind turbines (<100 kW), suitable for operating in rural areas with moderate winds. If are compared with large-scale
wind turbines, the small wind turbines (SWT) are more flexible and have a considerable greater potential of technological development.
The large wind turbines are now in their seventh or eighth generation, while the SWT are only in their second or third.
American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) is considering that those characteristics award to SWT an explosive potential market.
The main disadvantage of SWT is their cost: 3-3.5 USD/kW comparing to 1 USD/kW for the large wind turbines of 500-1000 kW.
This cost will decrease rapidly by technological development and market growth.
By 2020, AWEA estimates that SWT cost will
decrease to 0.04-0.05 USD/kW, lower than today residential electric rates. AWEA is concluding that SWT must become a meaningful
contributor to the energetic balance and sustainable development. Achieving this goal is conditioned by R-D actions on the following
priority directions:
| Priorities |
Targets |
| Control / protection of SWT |
Develop of control systems featured to SWT |
| Integration of SWT in on- / of-grid systems |
Develop of new systems and control strategies to combine power and storage sources |
| Aerodynamics of SWT |
Develop of improved methods for SWT performance predicting |
The project will develop new systems, methods and strategies materialized in technical solutions leeding to iwind
energy plants operating with economic efficiency in the respect of the principles of sustenable development. Collaborative project
has a predominant demonstration component. To demonstrate the functionality of the developed solutions, there will be designed, manufactured
and experimentaly tested five laboratory models and two expermental prototypes.
The project will be implemented by a consortium composed of: Technical University of Iasi – coordinator; “Politehnica” University of
Timisoara - partner; Technical University of Cluj-Napoca - partner ; INOE2000 – Institute of R&D in Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Bucuresti - partner.
The work in project will increase the R&D competences of the consortium in the technology of wind energy, esspecially in wind turbines field.
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