IIT Wind Consortium Research
The consortium has acquired 3 advanced wind turbines for research purposes in order to optimize function and credibility. The emerging technology being used in this project is new to the wind industry and has incredible potential to minimize the risks associated with using wind units for electricity generation. These insight gained from these turbines, and associated research, will provide a large first step in the effort to lower the cost of wind energy.
8kW Viryd Turbines (Field and Laboratory) |
The Viryd turbines will work in tandem to measure environmental conditions and then simulate them in a controlled lab setting to test control algorithms to improve wind turbine performance and minimize gearbox stress.
 | This 8kW Viryd Turbine is located on Stuart Soccer Field and is the most visible turbine in the City of Chicago. Visible from four major transportation channels (the Dan Ryan Expressway, the green and red lines of the CTA, and the Metro) as well as US Cellular Field, the structure will also raise public awareness of the possibility of wind power and continuing innovations in the field of wind energy. The advanced design of this turbine allows for more electricity generation by alleviating fatigue loads caused by wind gusts and operating efficiently in all wind conditions.
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Environmental conditions are gathered from the field turbine and then simulated on the lab turbine, located in Siegel Hall. In a controlled setting, researchers are able to pinpoint areas of stress on the turbine which will give them insight as they work to find solutions to reduce the wear-and-tear of turbine components. This simulation also allows researchers to test ways in which the turbine catches the most amount of
wind and generates the most amount of electrons.
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1.5 MW GE Turbine (Grand Ridge) |
 | The 1.5 MW GE Turbine, on the Invenergy wind field in Lasalle County, will be used for extensive reliability studies. This utility-grade turbine is outfitted with high performing technology designed to increase the output and reduce wear and tear of components which will ultimately increase the lifespan of the structure. The technology is designed to detect problems within components before there is major damage to the wind turbine through sound technology and high level detection software. Also on the turbine, is wind detection software designed to help the turbine find the wind and avoid unnecessary wear-and-tear, due to resistance, on parts. |
Emerging (external) Technology
 | GE Intelligent Platforms is designing a set of add-on instrumentation and analytical techniques that can detect emerging gearbox problems. It's the world's leading predictive solution for managing, controlling, and optimizing equipment maintenance and industry operations.The software provides predictions of impending equipment and process failures--so they are more easily avoided or managed. |
 | From its position on top of the turbine, the Catch The Wind Vindicator© Laser Wind Sensor determines the wind speed and direction in the undisturbed air 300 meters in front of the turbine. As a result, the unit gives the control system a predictive, three-dimensional view of actual conditions which allows for optimum wind turbine performance. |
| Gathering data measured in front of the turbine allows the control system to make proactive decisions about yaw angle and adjustment. Staying in alignment with the wind will significantly increase power output and dramatically reduce turbine stress. It can also adjust blade pitch in anticipation of sudden stress events such as high winds or sudden drops in production due to low wind conditions. |
| IIT Acoustic Measurement Project (Using Phased Arrays) |
 | IIT researchers are developing acoustic mapping technology for wind turbines. Wind turbine designs will be evaluated using Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of the acoustics and unsteady flow around a wind turbine for the purpose of assessing wind turbine noise and unsteady loading. The LES generates a heat map of acoustics to show researchers a comprehensive model of the origination of sound from the structure. As components fail, they typically make more noise. Researchers will be able to live-track changes in acoustic origin points and address problems before they become severe |
Decreasing turbine noise is also important for the quality of life of residents and wildlife. As turbine noise decreases, more communities will be open to these energy generation structures. |
Last modified: 04/30/2012 17:49:15
