Compact wind turbine

24 November 2010 Power Electronics / Power Management

The AirDolphin is a compact and lightweight wind turbine developed by Japanese company Zephyr to deliver over 170 kWh per month at average wind speeds of 21,6 km/h.

Weighing in at just 17,5 kg employs a patented swing rubber attitude control system inspired by a fishes' tailfin, which allows the turbine to instantly respond to subtle wind shifts for improved power generation. Intelligent power management realises consistent blade rotation speed while encountering turbulent gusts. Even during hurricanes, the AirDolphin can reportedly still deliver stable output power after reaching peak wind speed. This is a crucial attribute for small wind turbines which often face turbulence caused by tall city buildings when the wind speed exceeds 72 km/h. The turbine continues delivering output power at a reduced ratio speed with no need for cut-out, thanks to the use of software driven microprocessors. AirDolphin also has various safety features enabling it to detect adverse conditions for automatic shut down.

The rotor system seamlessly responds to various wind conditions, offering a high wind-to-power conversion factor by utilising ultra low-mass, stiff blades in a multistagger blended blade and hub system. These elements work together to constantly control the rotor speed for maximum power output. The silent disrupter blade features numerous thin grooves on its surface, which significantly reduces air flow noise.

The screwless assembly of the body is inspired by Japanese traditional block puzzle structure. This ensures precise fitting and superb resistance to adverse weather conditions, requiring minimum maintenance. When there is no wind, the AirDolphin uses previously generated power to rotate for 10 seconds every minute. This lets the rotor start up from a subtle wind and efficiently reach the cut-in point. The function also prevents freezing in cold weather.

The lightweight generator achieves high power density with tightly wound coils and powerful neodymium iron boron magnets. These two features combine to implement the optimum duty cycle by electronically damping the rotor. Every AirDolphin comes equipped with an RS485 protocol wiring harness, allowing both on-site and remote monitoring via the additional RM-1000 unit and an optional IP address.

For more information contact Dieter Dilchert, SolarCon, +27 (0)11 201 3200, [email protected], www.solarcom.co.za

Further reading:

Cutting-edge solutions for Africa’s clean energy future
Power Electronics / Power Management
As Africa pushes towards reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, Sungrow is driving transformation with cutting-edge innovations that enhance grid stability, reduce energy costs, and expand access to clean power.

Read more...

---

Transformer protection is a critical safeguard for municipal power stability
Power Electronics / Power Management
Transformer protection is not just a technical requirement; it is a vital component in ensuring the resilience and operational integrity of South Africa’s municipal power infrastructure.

Read more...

---

Reliable power solution
Conical Technologies Power Electronics / Power Management
The Mibbo MLD-120W-xxVx is a robust DIN-rail mounted DC-DC converter with a 120 W output capacity specifically designed for industrial and automation applications.

Read more...

---

Easing the path for IPPs navigating local energy regulations
Power Electronics / Power Management
Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and developers venturing into South Africa’s renewable energy sector face an onerous and challenging regulatory landscape characterised by uncertainty in securing grid connections and considerable development costs.

Read more...

---

Wide input voltage buck-boost converter
Altron Arrow Power Electronics / Power Management
The MAX77859 from Analog Devices is a high-efficiency, high-performance buck-boost converter targeted for systems requiring a wide input voltage range of between 2,5 and 22 V.

Read more...

---

High-density power module for AI at the edge applications
Altron Arrow Power Electronics / Power Management
The MCPF1412 power module from Microchip has integrated I2C and PMBus interfaces for flexible configuration and monitoring.

Read more...

---

Development kit for TI’s SN6507
Power Electronics / Power Management
This comprehensive solution is designed to help engineers evaluate the performance of TI’s SN6507 transformer driver for isolated power supplies.

Read more...

---

High-voltage IGBT
Hi-Q Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
Diotec Semiconductor has launched the DIW030M060 IGBT, a 600 V, 30 A device with a built-in reverse diode.

Read more...

---

DC converter for Hi-Rel applications
Vepac Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
The MFK2812S from Crane Aerospace & Electronics is a DC-DC converter with an input voltage range of 16 to 50 V and an output of 12 V at up to 2,08 A.

Read more...

---

Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems
Schneider Electric South Africa Power Electronics / Power Management
In addition to grid stability, DERMS also play a role in energy trading with some countries leveraging DERMS for real-time energy trading.

Read more...

---