This trainer is used to study the conversion of kinetic wind energy into electrical energy. The experimental setup consists of a control unit and a wind tunnel, which includes an axial fan and a small-scale wind power unit. A wind power plant primarily consists of a generator and a rotor. The control unit contains electrical consumers, energy storage components, and controls for the axial fan.
The axial fan generates the airflow needed to turn the rotor of the wind power plant. A flow straightener ensures a smooth and low-turbulence airflow. The kinetic energy from the rotor is converted into electrical energy by the generator. This electrical energy is supplied to a stand-alone system that is not connected to the main grid. A charge controller manages the intermediate energy storage in an accumulator, allowing an electrical load to use the generated energy. Incandescent bulbs can serve as consumers, and there is also the option to connect an external load, such as a heater or fan. However, integration with a public power grid is not supported.
Adjusting the fan’srotational speed changes, the wind velocity. Measurements are taken for the wind speed in front of the rotor, rotor speed, voltage, and current
Experiments
- Understanding wind tunnel simulator
- Characterization of a horizontal axis wind turbine.
o Varying the number of blades.
o Varying orientation. - Measuring wind speed using an anemometer
- Wind turbine starting. Defeating inertia
- Turbine interaction with wind tunnel
Specifications
- Wind tunnel constructed from rust-resistant materials
- Conversion of kinetic wind energy into electrical energy
- Stand-alone laboratory-scale wind power plant
- Axial fan with adjustable speed for varying wind velocity
- Generator for transforming kinetic energy into electrical energy
- The wind turbine blades can be removed for efficiency tests using different blade configurations or replaced with student-designed blades made via 3D printing.
- Incandescent bulbs serve as electrical loads (consumers).
- Measurements include wind velocity in front of the rotor, rotor rotational speed, current, and voltage.
- Digital displays show the measured values.
- Flow straightener to maintain stable wind conditions
- Accumulator for storing generated electrical energy
- The system includes a safety feature with an emergency push button.
