The WindTronics WT6500 is a unique blade tip power system.
Unlike conventional horizontal propeller turbines and vertical axis turbines, it has no gearbox to increase shaft speed.
Both types of traditional wind generators require a minimum wind speed of 12 km/h to get the gears moving so the actual turbine shaft hits the required r.p.m. for electrical generation.
Without the gearbox, the generator does not spin fast enough. These turbines are less efficient because the mechanical resistance of the gears within the central hub consume wind power.
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Developed by EarthTronics and Honeywell, the blade tip power system design starts generating electricity at a wind speed of three km/h. It accomplishes this by moving all electrical generation apparatus to the outer tips of the blades. The central hub serves only as a device to support the shaft, bearings and blades.
The windings are contained within the stationary outer circumference of the fan housing. The magnets are mounted on the outer tips of the fan blades.
Although r.p.m. is the same at the shaft as it is at the tips, the magnets travel at a much higher rate of speed when mounted at the tips. This allows them to generate electricity without a gearbox.
As a result, production of electricity begins at a lower wind and shaft speed.
“It’s called a ducted fan. From a physics point of view, it takes most of the stress off the centre hub. Now the shaft merely supports the blades,” said Mark McNally of WindTronics in Guelph, Ont.
The six-foot diameter WT6500 weighs only 70 kilograms because it contains fewer parts and less material.
“You don’t need a tall tower,” McNally said.
“We’ve designed it with the idea that people can mount it on the roof of their house or barn or grain bin.”
The WT6500 produces 2.2 kilowatts and is estimated to produce 2,000 to 2,500 KW hours per year in average winds.
The control unit includes a true sine wave inverter for a 120 volt supply, battery power management, wind direction and speed measurement and a standard RS485 communications port.
The generator is expected to go into production in Ontario this spring and will sell for about $6,000.
For more information, visit www.earthtronics.com/honeywell.aspx.
