Jan 5 2010
A new technology was successfully tested on a wind turbine that increases the electricity generation by Risø DTU. A laser-based anemometer is built into the spinner of the wind turbine and this system predicts the turbulence, direction and gusts of wind. Torben Mikkelsen, Professor at Risø DTU, said that the new technology will enable wind turbines in future to substantially increase energy production. The LIDAR, as the system is called, will also reduce loads significantly.
The new laser technology enables the wind turbines to predict the wind and positions itself in correct direction and adjusts the blades to utilize the wind power more efficiently. The life of the wind turbines are also extended by using this Danish laser technology.
With climate change and renewable energy gaining global attention, the wind turbine industry is set to grow at a significant rate. The Danish wind power industry will be leading the global market with the integration of smart blades and new laser technology into the turbines. These turbines will function much more efficiently and will be operational for a longer period.
If the wind LIDAR system is fitted into every tenth wind turbine, according to the predications of Danish Energy Agency, the carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 25,000 tons by the year 2025. The energy production in the turbine could be increased up to 5% by adopting this new technology. By using this technology in a 4 MW wind turbine, 200,000 Danish kroner could be gained per year. “Smart blades” and this laser technology could be combined to increase the life of wind turbines.
Lars Fuglsang, Global Research Director of LM Glasfiber, said that the reliability of the blades is increased by using this technology and blades are able to withstand the irregularities of wind better.
Source: http://www.risoe.dtu.dk