Dynamic Simulation of Novel Small Wind Turbine Generation System with SynRG

This paper describes a small wind turbine generation system with SynRG （synchronous reluctance generator）. SynRGs are robust and inexpensive. In addition, SynRG has no cogging torque. Hence, wind turbine generation system with SynRG can achieve smooth start at low wind velocity. The rotor design of proposed SynRG is multi flux barrier type. With FEA （finite element analysis） software, the characteristics of SynRG are brought out, and the performance of wind turbine generation system with SynRG including copper loss and iron loss is simulated by FEA coupled with the motion equation of the wind turbine generation system under the maximum power point tracking control. In this paper, the constant wind test and the quasi-natural wind test are conducted. In conclusion, the results of these simulations indicate that the wind turbine generation system with SynRG has good performance, especially in starting phenomena.

Experimental Study of Fuel-Air Mixing and Dilution Jets on Outlet Temperature Distribution in a Small Gas Turbine Combustor

Experimental analysis was conducted to study the impact of fuel-air mixing and dilution jet on the temperature distribution in a small gas turbine combustor using various optical diagnostic techniques.The strength and velocity of the swirler at the venturi exit were adjusted to modify the fuel-air mixture,which is presumed to dominate the heat release of the main combustion zone.Additionally,the dilution hole configuration,including the number and size of the holes,was varied to investigate the dilution effect on outlet temperature distribution.Various optical diagnostic techniques,such as particle image velocimetry,planar Mie scattering,and OH~*chemiluminescence,were used to measure the flow field,fuel spray distribution,and flame structure,respectively.A reduction in swirling strength led to a decrease in the average flow rate in the throat,which improved the structure and symmetry of the axial vortex system in the sleeve,enhanced the mixing of fuel and gas in the dome swirling air,and ultimately,improved the temperature uniformity of the heat release zone.Compared to larger and sparse dilution jets,smaller and dense dilution jets tended to generate hot spots shifted towards the radial middle area.

Structural Design Optimization of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine for Seismic Qualification and Lightweight

Recently, there is a growing interest in seismic qualification of ridges, buildings and mechanical equipment worldwide due to increase of accidents caused by earthquake. Severe earthquake can bring serious problems in the wind turbines and eventually lead to an interruption to their electric power supply. To overcome and prevent these undesirable problems, structural design optimization of a small vertical axis wind turbine has performed, in this study, for seismic qualification and lightweight by using a Genetic Algorithm (GA) subject to some design constraints such as the maximum stress limit, maximum deformation limit, and seismic acceleration gain limit. Also, the structural design optimizations were conducted for the four different initial design variable sets to confirm robustness of the optimization algorithm used. As a result, all the optimization results for the 4 different initial designs showed good agreement with each other properly. Thus the structural design optimization of a small vertical-axis wind turbine could be successfully accomplished.

Studies on a low Reynolds number airfoil for small wind turbine applications

In contrast to large horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) that are located in areas dictated by optimum wind conditions, small wind turbines are required for producing power without necessarily the best wind conditions. A low Reynolds number airfoil was designed after testing a number of low Reynolds number airfoils and then making one of our own; it was tested for use in small HAWTs. Studies using XFOIL and wind tunnel experiments were performed on the new airfoil at various Reynolds numbers. The pressure distribution, C p , the lift and drag coefficients, C L and C D , were studied for varying angles of attack, α. It is found that the airfoil can achieve very good aerodynamic characteristics at different Reynolds numbers and can be used as an efficient airfoil in small HAWTs.

Standardized Elemental Basis for Gas-Turbine Engine Heat Exchangers is the Key Factor for Their Cost Reduction

The competitiveness of the small gas turbine units (GTUs) (Ne<300 kW) in the world power market is dependent on bath the maintenance expenses and the capital costs of production. Reduction in the maintenance expenditures could be achieved by increasing the plant efficiency. This task could be solved by some methods: increasing the cycle inlet temperature TIT, getting the cycle more complex (use of heat regeneration and compressed air intermediate cooling), cutting the power consumption on heat-stressed parts cooling. Putting the above into effect is linked with introduction of novel structural materials, a sharp increase in the mass-size values and the plant manufacture expenditures, in particular, at provision of its self-regulation. In connection with the above, the development of the combined metal-ceramic airheaters and standardization of the elemental basis of the metal gas-gas heat exchangers will promote reduction in the expenditures of the maintenance and the manufacture of the small-size independent power GTEs.