Articles
Vertical-axis wind turbines could provide a credible alternative to traditional horizontal offshore turbines in some circumstances, according to a research project carried out by a UK-based consortium.
The £2.8 million Nova project examined the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of Wind Power’s Aerogenerator concept and highlighted the potential advantages over conventional turbines. The focus of the project was on achieving significant cost reductions. The study examined whether vertical-axis wind turbines could offer significantly cheaper electricity due to the size and scale of the machines as well as simpler maintenance when compared to conventional turbines.
Dr David Clarke, chief executive of the Energy Technologies Institute, which commissioned the research, said: “Traditional horizontal offshore wind turbines have adapted the existing technology found in onshore turbines. The Nova feasibility project is a radical concept which demonstrates that vertical-axis machines are technically feasible and could be used in certain circumstances.
“There are benefits in terms of the design of the turbines and accessibility at sea which could help reduce the cost of energy, although it is still early days in terms of delivering a full-scale prototype.”
The study looked at both fixed and floating structures and concluded that floating turbines could be placed in deep water areas of over 60m which benefit from higher wind speeds. This would help to reduce the cost of electricity generated by wind power.
Clarke said: “It provided us with lots of information that, along with the results from our other two novel turbine projects, will help inform our decisions on the type of technologies we will be looking for in the next stage of our offshore wind programme. The next stage should see a demonstrator built and tested at sea, which will build on the insights from all three projects.”
Wind Power’s founder, Theodore Bird, said: “As the company responsible for commercialising the technology we have appointed Arup as project management engineer to take the Aerogenerator project to the next stage and look forward to working closely with them over the coming years.”
The Nova project was conducted by a UK-based consortium of Wind Power Limited, OTM Consulting, Cranfield University, the University of Strathclyde, Sheffield University, James Ingram & Associates, CEFAS and Qinetiq.