Oregon Field Guide: Wind Turbine School

Go to a classroom three hundred feet in the air to learn all about wind turbines and what it takes to keep them spinning. As more and more wind turbines come on line in north central Oregon, Columbia Gorge Community College’s Renewable Energy Technology program is training the local workforce to meet the need for skilled technicians who can repair and maintain these technological marvels.

I do not think this is the job for me.

Wind Turbine …. as the green future unfolds.

“There is enough energy in high altitude winds to power civilization 100 times over; and sooner or later, we’re going to learn to tap into the power of winds and use it to run civilization.” – Ken Caldeira, Professor of Global Ecology at the Carnegie Institution for Science. (Discovery Channel, Project Earth, Infinite Winds episode)

Magenn Power is headquartered both in the U.S and Canada. With the the U.S. site located at NASA Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, CA, (more on this unique area in a future post), and the Canadian site located in Kanata, Ontario, Canada.

In 1978 the founder of Magenn Power, Fred Ferguson designed the Magnus Airship. Patented in the 1980s this unique spherical airship utilized the ‘Magnus effect’ for the first time in lighter-than-air craft. Named after physicist Heinrich Gustav Magnus (1802–1870).

In aerodynamics the Magnus lift effect theory states that if air is directed against a smooth, revolving cylinder, whose circumferential speed is greater than that of the air current, a force is directed against one side of the cylinder – air compressed on one side and vacuum formed on the other – creating lift.

The Magnus Airship has a large spherical envelope filled with helium (an inert non-reactive lighter than air gas), to achieve static, buoyant lift. It’s huge sphere rotated backwards as the craft flew forward. The resulting lift at cruise speed was greater than the total buoyant lift which could be up to 60 tons payload depending upon the final production size. This proved that as wind speed increases, rotation increases, lift increases, drag will be minimized because of reduced leaning, and stability increases.

That was Ferguson’s first brain-child, which gave birth to his second brain-child, the patented Magenn Power Air Rotor System (MARS™), a patented high altitude, helium sustained air rotor, lighter-than-air tethered device to efficiently generate clean renewable electrical energy. The MARS’ air rotor cylinder utilizes an internal bladder system called a ballonet to maintain pressure as it rotates around a horizontal axis in response to wind. The unit ascends to an altitude as selected by the operator for the best winds, causing the Magnus effect which provides additional lift, keeps the device stabilized, keeps it positioned within a very controlled and restricted location, and causes it to pull up overhead rather than drift downwind on its tether. The electrical energy is transferred down the tether to a transformer at a ground station and then transferred to the electricity power grid.

MARS offers high torque, low starting speeds, and superior overall efficiency thanks to its ability to deploy higher. The closed structure allows Magenn Power to produce wind rotors at a fraction of the cost of current wind generators, from very small to very large sizes (although Magenn will not be shipping a 4 kW, 10 kW or 25 kW sized unit as previously planned).

Due to the ability to reach greater winds at higher altitudes the MARS units can be placed closer to demand centers, reducing transmission line costs and transmission losses. The envelope and tether system is made of a Vectran material which is stronger and lighter than steel, abrasion resistant, minimal moisture absorption and UV resistant. There is a Rapid Deflation Device installed that will automatically and rapidly deflate the balloon if it escapes from its moorings. The units will have a lighting system including individual lights that are placed at intervals according to FAA guidelines. The lights will flash once per second.

The Advantages of MARS:

1. Low cost electricity – under 20 cents per kWh versus 50 cents to 99 cents per kWh for diesel
2. Bird and bat friendly
3. Lower noise
4. Wide range of wind speeds – 3 meters/second to more than 28 meters/second
5. Higher operating altitudes – from 500 feet to 1,000 feet above ground level are possible without expensive towers or cranes
6. Fewer limits on placement location – coast line placement is not necessary
7. Ability to install closer to the power grid
8. Mobile
9. Ideal for off grid applications or where power is not reliable.

Initial MARS Target Markets include:

1. Mini-Grid applications such as developing and island nations where infrastructure is limited or non-existent
2. Rapid deployment (to include airdrop) to disaster areas for power to emergency and medical equipment, water pumps, and relief efforts (ex. Katrina, Tsunami)

MARS 100kW Performance Specifications:
1. Magenn Power Product Model 100kW
2. Rated Power 101,000 Watts
3. Size (Diameter x Length) 45 ft x 100 ft (plus blade height of 22 ft each)
4. Shipping Weight Under 13,000 lbs
5. Volume of Helium 200,000 cubic feet
6. Tether Height 750 ft standard – up to 1,500 ft optional tether length
7. Start-up Wind Speed 2.5 m/sec – 5.6 mph
8. Cut-in Wind Speed 3.0 m/sec – 6.7 mph
9. Rated Wind Speed 12.0 m/sec – 26.8 mph
10. Cut-out Wind Speed 24.0 m/sec – 53.7 mph
11. Maximum Wind Speed 30.0 m/sec – 67.1 mph
12. Temperature Range -40¼C /-40¼F to +45¼C/+113¼F
13. Generators 100 kW Total
14. Output Form 380 V 3 Phase 50 Hz, 480 & 600 V 3 Phase 60 Hz or Regulated DC
15. Warranty One Year
16. Life Cycle 10 to 15 Years
17. Price (USD) (Estimated) $500,000 USD
18. Availability 2010-2011 (taking orders now)

So, before long we will look up to the sky and wonder, is it a bird, or a plane, no …. it’s super clean energy!

…. as the green future unfolds

Linking Renewable Energy Resources Around the World

World Wide Grid

GENI – Global Energy Network Institute

The Vision: A world in which all people have access to ecologically sustainable energy.

The Mission: To conduct research and to educate world leaders and the public about the critical viability of the interconnection of electric power networks between nations and continents, with an emphasis on tapping abundant renewable energy resources, called ‘the GENI Initiative.’ The GENI Initiative focuses on linking renewable energy resources around the world using international electricity transmission.

Their research shows that linking renewables between all nations will mollify conflicts, grow economies and increase the quality of life and health for all. This is a strategy rooted in the highest priority of the World Game simulation developed by the visionary engineer, Dr. Buckminster Fuller three decades ago. (Yes, the same guy that invented geodesic domes, Synergetics, and Design Science and in which Buckminsterfullerenes or “buckyballs” are named after.)

“Bucky” (as he preferred),developed the World Game simulation, posing the question:

How do we make the world work for 100% of humanity in the shortest possible time through spontaneous cooperation without ecological damage or disadvantage to anyone?

Walter Cronkite said that this provocative inquiry had given him hope, a premier solution that offers the most thoughtful strategy towards peace and sustainable development and offers hope for all humanity.

Since a video is worth a thousand words:

The benefits of this sustainable development world power solution are proven:

* Decreased pollution from fossil and nuclear fuels
* Reduced hunger and poverty in developing nations
* Increased trade, cooperation and world peace
* Enables health care, communications and access to clean water
* Stabilized population growth

Sounds like GENI is working on a wonderful, ingenious idea and of course, when Walter Cronkite spoke …. everybody listened….

…. as the green future unfolds.

A Reason For Fish Swimming In Schools Leads To Better Wind Efficiency AND Revisiting A Wind Catcher Start-up

Mariah: In November, 2008, Forced Green posted an article called “…And They Call The Wind Mariah…”   About a green start-up company called Mariah Power that was regonized as “Best of What’s New” by Popular Science in 2008, for their Windspire vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT).

Since then, they have hit the ground running and on April 5th, 2010 Mariah Power officially changed its name to Windspire Energy Inc. The change was made to clarify confusion in the marketplace between the corporate name – Mariah Power – and the product name – Windspire.

Want one – or a hundred?

That said, the old sales adage – location, location, location – can now refer to green energy. Especially in the realm of VAWT.

Neptune: Professor John Dabiri, director of the Biological Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology (CalTech), has a research program at a CalTech field laboratory called FLOWE (Field Laboratory for Optimized Wind Energy). With support by the National Science Foundation and Windspire Energy, the primary objective of this research is to achieve significant increases in the power extracted per unit land area of wind farms. This directly translates to reductions in land use and transmission costs for traditional onshore wind energy efforts, while making urban and offshore wind farms a more practical solution in the future.

Inspiration for FLOWE’s research comes from the turbulence created by fish schools. One reason fish swim in schools is that it allows them to speed up the water around them and travel up to six times further than swimming alone. Modifying the hydrodynamic mathematical equations for this effect for aerodynamic results, the team found optimum turbine placements.

Only vertical turbines can be utilized and benefit from this research because the most common three-propellered horizontal (HAWT) turbines require significant inter-turbine spacing in order to avoid destructive aerodynamic interference between turbines. But a VAWT farm positioned in this way could generate 10 times the power of the normally more efficient HAWT farm of the same area.

The sea teaches the wind how to help the planet …
…and they still call the wind Mariah …..
… as the green future unfolds.

The United Kingdom – An Island Nation Serious About Cleanly Harnessing Their Natural Resources

On Thursday September 23, 2010, off the coast of Kent, where the English Channel meets the North Sea in southeastern England, the world’s largest offshore wind farm went online. The Thanet Offshore Wind Farm consist of 100 wind turbines covering an area of 13.5 square miles (35 square kilometers), each turbine is 115 meters tall, generating enough electricity for 200,000 homes a year. The Swedish energy company Vattenfall which invested about 880 million pounds ($1.38 billion), operates the wind farms. The construction took just over two years and expected to operate for at least 25 years.

British waters are very windy, hence an ideal location for offshore wind farms, an offshore turbine in British waters is estimated to produce 50% more power than a similar one in Germany.

According to the European OffShore Wind Industry half of the 16 offshore wind farms now under construction around Europe are in Britain. Wind can supply energy to nearly 3 million British homes, according to RenewableUK, a trade group for the wind and marine renewables industry.

Thanet Offshore Wind Farm generates 300 megawatts (MW) and pushes the UK’s installed wind power capacity above the 5 GW (Giga Watts) mark, enough electricity to power all the homes in Scotland. The farm’s nearest turbine to land is about 7.4 miles (12 kilometers) northeast of the town of Margate, far enough out that locals don’t object to the sight of the turbines offshore. Although Vattenfall said it expected a rise in tourism from people eager to see the site of the windmills in the distance.

Thanet will not remain the world’s largest operational offshore wind farm for long. Just north of the Thanet site, coming online by late 2012 or early 2013, the London Array with 341 turbines producing 1 gigawatt of power, becoming the world’s first 1 gigawatt (GW) offshore wind farm, generating enough green power for a quarter of all the homes in Greater London. (See Forced Green’s article, ‘A Green Light For Green Energy‘ )

Here’s a CNN video on the farm’s opening ceremonies:

Nearly two years ago the British were expressing public concern on how far the UK was lagging behind the rest of the world in sustainable energy goals and accomplishments ….. Well, not anymore! …… Rock on green Britannia! …….. Proud of ya!

… as the green future unfolds.

Plug-In Solar And Wind Power Systems On The Market In 2011

So you want to feel better about your “green-self”, but don’t know how to, or the affordability concerns. Well, here’s the first bit of knowledge to get you on your way – one step at a time – start simple and slow, then grow.

Your power for instance, there’s no regulation, mandate, nor physics law that requires you to completely stop and/or reverse your power meter if you’re wanting to lower your grid impact. Just start slowing it down and unless you’re an electrician or an electrical engineer, you really want to keep it simple and cheap. Too bad we can’t just plug sustainably generated energy right into a spare outlet, … well, we can,… yes I’m serious,… no I’m not pulling your leg,…. it’s true.

Founded in 2008, Clarion Power is based in Seattle, Washington and has set a goal to be the first company to bring a plug-in solar and wind power systems to the market in 2011. The Jellyfish is their wind system and the Sunfish is their solar system. Unlike existing micro-inverters, these systems have built-in circuit protection, doesn’t require a dedicated electrical panel and plugs directly into a standard electrical outlet. With onboard networking and optional backup storage, they have web-based tracking and monitoring with onboard Wi-Fi and can upload data directly into Google PowerMeter allowing customers to track and monitor production online. The systems are not intended to provide backup power when there’s a power outage, but they can provide backup power in conjunction with a certified back-up power system and/or can be used to charge batteries or generate power in conjunction with a dedicated off-grid system. The anti-islanding features protects local utility workers in the event of a power outage – if the power grid is shut down, they immediately stop generating power. In fact, it’s not possible for them to generate power without the power grid being up and active.

Both systems plug into any outlet with power you can use anywhere in your home. Requiring no contractors, no installers, no additional wiring, no drywall to tear out, and they’re up and running in about an hour.

Technical Specs and Videos:

Jellyfish

Wind powered turbine generates up to 40 kilowatt hours monthly, enough to light a 3,600-square-foot home.

400W Jellyfish Unit
Wind Turbine Output 400W (@28 mph)
Energy Output 40kWh/month (@12 mph)
Wind Turbine Type Vertical Axis (VAWT)
Output Voltage (AC) 120V
Max Current (AC) 3.2A
Mounting Wall or Roof Mounted
Installation 1-2 Hours
Dimensions 48” x 36” (1.2m x 0.9m)
Module Weight 30 lbs (13.5 kg)
MSRP $399-$699

Sunfish

Generates up to 30 kWh per month, enough to light an average home using energy efficient light bulbs.

200W Sunfish Unit
Solar Panel Output 200W
Energy Output 30kWh/month
Solar Module Type Polycrystalline
Output Voltage (AC) 120V
Max Current (AC) 1.6A
Mounting Wall or Roof Mounted
Installation 1-2 Hours
Dimensions 60” x 40” (1.5m x 1m)
Module Weight 40 lbs (18 kg)
MSRP $599-$799

1kW Sunfish System
Solar Array Output 1kW
Energy Output 150kWh/month
Output Voltage (AC) 120V
Max Current (AC) 8.3A
Mounting Wall or Roof Mounted
Installation 6-8 Hours
Dimensions 60” x 200” (1.5m x 5.1m)
Module Weight 200 lbs (90 kg)
MSRP $2995-$3995

So, it is time for Plugging and Playing ….

… as the green future unfolds.

Dangerous Dynamic Fluid-Structure Interactions Give Rise To Ingenious Green Innovations

In 2004, Shawn Frayne, a member of a team from MIT visiting Petite Anse, Haiti, found the fishing village near the coast was not connected to an electrical grid, and the only lighting available was diesel-powered or kerosene-based. Frayne recognized that white LEDs powered by a small, very inexpensive wind generator might be better able to power LED lamps and radios in the homes and schools in the area. However, he hit a brick wall – turbine technology is too inefficient at these scales to be a viable option.

Vibrations caused by the wind (aeroelastic flutter phenomena), led to the collapse in 1940 of Washington State’s Tacoma Narrows Bridge (aka Galloping Gertie), and studying that disaster led Frayne to invent the world’s first non-turbine wind generator, the Windbelt generator. Which in turn, led to the founding of Humdinger Energy, LLC based in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The Windbelt technology is based on the principle of aeroelastic flutter, which is a phenomenon that operates at a variety of windspeeds.

Windbelt technology has undergone several transformations since the first small tabletop proof-of-concept, membrane-based, non-turbine generator was developed:

1. microBelt – (1mW – 1W) – a “micro” Windbelt, for powering applications such as wireless sensor nodes.
2. Windcell – (1W – 100W) – a “medium” version of the technology designed to power individual applications such as lighting and WiFi repeaters.
3. Windcell Panel – (0.1kW – MW-scale) – a one-meter square array of 1-meter long Windbelts developed for grid-tied electricity.

Each Windcell and Windcell Panel has an initial estimated production cost of $1 per peak watt, which translates to around US$0.03-US$0.05 per kWh (uninstalled) at 6m/s average wind speeds. This is around four times less than uninstalled photovoltaic systems and less than MW-size turbine-based wind harvesters, giving wind harvesting an unprecedented ability to go everywhere that wind and solar power can’t presently go.

To picture how this works, think of how you held a blade of grass between your fingers as a kid and made it whistle, — or how the strapping on a truck can be seen moving in the wind. That is roughly how the Windbelt can pull energy from the wind – then, it’s a second step to turn that energy of the moving membrane into electricity, which is done by actuating new types of linear generators.

Better yet, let Shawn Frayne show the concept in action:

Taking wind power into places and applications previously inconceivable, for all walks of life, the Windbelt can be one of the key tools of energy harvesting in the 21st century.

…. as the green future unfolds.

Travelers on Germany’s A9 Autobahn are likely to do some double-takes this holiday. That giant light isn’t an alien–it’s the world’s largest spinning Christmas star.

Power giant Siemens contracted multimedia artist Michael Pendry for the massive project done in partnership with Munich City Utilities. A crew attached 3,000 tiny, colored LEDs on each of three turbine blades using special adhesives. The lights glow in different patterns as the blades rotate, putting on a show evenings and early mornings through January 6, 2010. Since the turbine is part of a local smart grid system, clean energy is powering the lights.

Hat tips to Jacob Gordon at TreeHugger and Bridgette Meinhold at Inhabitat for bringing this star story to light. Maybe next year power companies here in the States will see their turbines as canvases.

Do you know who the top ten countries are as far as wind farms is concerned?

1. Germany
2. United States
3. Spain
4. India
5. China
6. Denmark
7. Italy
8. France
9. United Kingdom
10. Portugal

Interesting list but what do you think?

….  as the green world turns!

Coming to a Rooftop Near You: Maglev Wind Turbines

Vertical wind turbines put pressure on bearings, but one company, Enviro Energies, has a better idea: maglev or magnetic levitation of the turbine so that it will turn, not on bearings that need lubrication and servicing, but on a virtually frictionless force field of magnetism. In addition, Enviro sees its new vertical turbine as suitable for city rooftops, as its design takes even light wind currents from any direction and converts them to usable electrical power. See a Discovery Channel denmonstration of how the turbines work. Then jump over to their products page for more information and pricing.

… as the green future unfolds.

For Better Or Worse, A Glimpse At The Sum Of All The Talk

Yesterday, in San Francisco, Google launched a new interactive tool in its Google Earth Web site as part of a climate change press conference by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger designed to let Californians see the risks of climate change. The Google feature and climate report were produced after Schwarzenegger directed agencies last year to devise a strategy to prepare California for the inevitable changes ahead. The report warns rising temperatures over the next few decades will lead to more heat waves, wildfires, droughts and floods. It recommends avoiding development in low-lying areas vulnerable to rising sea level, storm surges and coastal erosion.

Schwarzenegger released the final 200-page report on California’s climate change strategy also created a 23-member climate adaptation advisory panel to devise recommendations for how the state must adapt to climate change. With a July deadline for these recommendations. Its members include leaders from business, labor, government and the private sector. Now see what can be achieved when Democrats and Republicans get their heads together for the greater good and play nice!

“When it comes to fighting global warming and climate change, it is technology, in the end, that will save us all,” Schwarzenegger said.

The California Resources Agency partnered with Google on the program called CalAdapt, a part of what Schwarzenegger described as a first-ever, comprehensive state-level strategy to adapt to the future effects of climate change. CalAdapt gives a graphic view of climate change’s potential effect on California. Based on scientific modeling, it shows Californians how warming temperatures, rising sea levels, precipitation shifts and more frequent, intense wildfires impact their environment and how California should prepare for climate change. All just a mouse click away, such things as the shrinking snow pack along the Sierra Nevada and how a rise in sea level could submerge parts of San Francisco.

The old saying of “a picture is worth a thousand words” takes on new meaning when you can actually see AT&T Park, where San Francisco Giants play, under five feet of water, if we stay the current course.

The governor released his report on Treasure Island, a man-made island where three years ago he signed California’s landmark global warming law that requires the state to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. “Within a century, Treasure Island, this place where we are right now, could be totally under water,” Schwarzenegger said during a late-morning news conference.

Want to see into California’s future?

… as the green future unfolds!