Strong, Simon James (2008) Design of a small wind turbine. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
This project aims to develop a simple and economical Small Wind Turbine (SWT)design. The turbine is intended to be used in regional Queensland, requiring an investigation into the available wind resources.
Anthropogenic climate change is driving a world-wide renewable energy revolution. Rising fossil fuel prices as a result of dwindling reserves is prompting the
investigation of alternative energy sources. In Queensland the presence of a market for small off-grid or remote area power supplies, has led to the consideration of SWTs
as an increasingly viable alternative energy source capable of meeting future demands.
This project sets out three major objectives:
1. A complete SWT design integrating commercially available components with engineered structural parts, some of which may utilise fibre-composite materials. This includes a 3D parametric model, manufacturing drawings and
system specifications. Considerable allowance is given for manufacture, installation, maintenance and decommissioning.
2. An investigation into wind resources in Queensland, and a proposed installation site, or sites that could benefit from the use of wind power; and,
3. An estimation of the SWTs power output and a total system price to evaluate against similar products, with a Cost Benefit Analysis to support the design feasibility.
The research methodology was divided into three subparts:
a) Conduct a literature review investigating background information, current technology and issues, to form the basis of the design.
b) Research a potential installation site in regional Queensland by crossreferencing data from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology with information pertaining to the extent of Queensland’s electricity distribution network.
c) Develop a simple and economical SWT design by synthesizing commercially available components and engineered parts into a working conceptual solution.
Analysis of the performance and economic feasibility of the conceptual design enabled comparative assessment of the SWT against other forms of energy including different renewable devices, diesel generators and conventional grid-connected electrical power.
The research has found that technical advancements in SWT technology, achieved through engineering research and innovation, are increasing with product demand. An innovative idea has been proposed for the yawing and furling mechanism of the turbine, and a basic engineered system has been planned. It is anticipated that this
research will provide a foundation for improvements on the proposed design, and that through more focused research objectives a more technically sophisticated product
may be developed.
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Statistics for this ePrint Item |
| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Refereed: | No |
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Engineering and Surveying - Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering (Up to 30 Jun 2013) |
| Date Deposited: | 12 Nov 2009 03:12 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Jul 2013 23:29 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | small wind turbine; Queensland; energy sources |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 09 Engineering > 0913 Mechanical Engineering > 091305 Energy Generation, Conversion and Storage Engineering |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 40 ENGINEERING > 4017 Mechanical engineering > 401703 Energy generation, conversion and storage (excl. chemical and electrical) |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/6102 |
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