G E TURBINES
Welcome to our new website for the latest Wind Turbines. We are the only British manufacturer to design and build the full range of Wind Turbines from 500w to 4Mw sizes. Most turbine designs follow a theoretical evaluation created by Albert Betz - a German physicist from a paper written in 1919 using two / three blades. Whilst this design satisfies the output at high wind speeds - at low wind speeds the outputs are very limited. See following pages for a fuller explanation. G E Turbine designs use 20 vanes on each turbine which increases the torque by almost 10 times. Each vane is aeronautically designed to get the maximum speed/torque output. The result is a turbine that is compact, lightweight and very efficient over the whole speed range. The first two models have been extensively tested over the last 2 years and are now in production. They will be offered for sale in the next few months. The outputs from these units have far exceeded their original design target and we expect this trend to continue for the larger units. By 2012 we plan to deliver all six models. From 1st April 2010 the Government has announced increased tariff’s for Wind Turbines form 4.5p - 26.7p per Kw/hr dependant on size. Furthermore domestic operators are eligible for a grant of £2,500 provided the building meets minimum insulation standards. See (government-grants.co.uk/wind_turbine_grants.shtml.) These rates offer a unique opportunity to maximise a good return on investment (ROI) for the serious investor providing the location is in a windy environment. The last page of this website is reserved for people who are serious about these turbines and after registration will be offered discounted launch offers and automatic updates.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY - THE PROBLEM
There are two reasons why wind turbines perform badly at low wind speeds. The first is that most are based on the aeroplane propellor design. But the propeller design reaches maximum efficient at 300 knots. At speeds of 10 - 30 knots (typical wind speeds) the propellor is very inefficient. Additionally the efficiency of the propellor blade varies across its length - see following fig.
Centre of Propellor
Thus it is clear that the first 50% of the blade length contributes less than 10% of torque and power. Secondly, Wind Turbine Manufacturers use high speed generators/alternators (1500 rpm 4000 rpm). These generators are cheap, already in mass production, very compact and lightweight which allows them to be used at the top of the mast/pole of the turbine. Because the generators are designed for high speed operation, at low speed these units again develop very little power. The combined effect produces a very low output at any wind speed below 10 knots. Little wonder that many existing turbine owners are so disappointed. Manufacturers solve this inefficiency problem by increasing the size of the turbine blades. But as the blades get bigger the speed falls off dramatically so a propellor of 90M dia revolves at only 12 rpm within wind speeds of 15 - 30 knots. (The velocity of the propellor tip is 6 x wind speed ) To match propellor speeds with generator speeds require large gearboxes. In the case of large wind turbines this can be a ratio of 100:1. Again this ratio is not conducive to high efficiency. Manufacturers are contemplating even bigger machines than existing wind farm clusters that are blighting the countryside. This is surely an admission that current designs are not giving the expected outputs. Perhaps its time to consider making more efficient turbines which can give good outputs throughout the whole wind speed range. Making turbines more efficient will allow fewer units and save on build costs whilst still meeting energy targets.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY - THE SOLUTION
G E Turbines have designed a range of turbines which addresses these problems. Firstly the turbines are multi-vaned to increase torque. The blades of these turbines are designed to get maximum output at low speeds by increased camber across the blade profile. Whilst speed is reduced against a corresponding propellor design the torque is increased 10 fold for the same diameter. Since the final power output = torque x speed, having a turbine with higher torque gives a much straighter power curve - see following fig.
70
G E Turbine Output
60
Prop Turbine Output
50 40 30 20 10 5
10
15
20
25
30
Wind Speed Knots
Secondly G E Turbines use Low Speed, High Torque, PMG Generators which give much higher outputs at low speeds. The speed range of these units vary from 400 rpm for the small generators to under 100 rpm for the larger machines. Thus the turbine and generator are closer matched which results in a much lower ratio and more efficient gearbox. The downside of these generators are increased weight and size but since most are mounted at the base of the turbine, this is a small price to pay for efficiency. Additionally by mounting these generators at the base eliminates the need for slip rings and wiring to the top of the turbine (the most frequent problems). The result is that G E Turbines are more than 3 times the efficiency of comparable turbines even at small sizes. But at larger sizes greater efficiencies are possible due to the ‘scale/reynolds number’ of aerodynamic shapes. Research and testing over the past 2 years has proved beyond doubt that the multivaned turbine delivers a substantial improvement in turbine outputs and further development will only increase these results. The following models are currently in the design and testing mode. We have found that final proven outputs are higher than initial design targets. Thus our prediction for the larger turbines are a very conservative assessment of final performance. Before sale we will obviously guarantee performance figures.
FRONT ELEVATION
SIDE ELEVATION
EQUIVALENT TURBINE
70
Output Power
60
Output Amps @14v
50 40 30 20 10 5
10
15
20
25
30
Wind Speed Knots
500w Boat Wind Turbine A small multi-vaned wind turbine designed for boats over 40ft (11M) The unit can be fitted to the deck or mounted below. It offers high current even at low wind speeds due to the high torque PMG generator and multi-blade configuration. No slip rings are used and all wiring is restricted to the base of the unit. A digital voltage/charging meter is fitted to the base.. The voltage regulator in the base is designed to switch output into a ‘dump mode’ when the battery is fully charged. The unit has been successfully tested at over 1Kw (>30knots). All materials are selected to meet the strict marine environments and should last at least 20 years. The turbine is priced at less than £1000 inc VAT and guaranteed for 2 years. To equal the same output a 2/3 blade propellor generator would need to be at least 2000mm diameter.
FRONT ELEVATION
SIDE ELEVATION
EQUIVALENT TURBINE
7Kw
Output Power
6Kw 5Kw
Output Power @240v
4Kw 3 3Kw 2Kw 1Kw 5
10
15
25
20
30
Wind Speed Knots AVERAGE WIND SPEED / RETURN ON INVESTMENT (R.O.I.)
Gov allowance from 1st April 2010 26.7p per Kw/hr >1.5Kw-15Kw 1day = 20hrs 1mth = 28days 1year = 12mnths
WIND SPEED (knots)
OUTPUT (watts)
6.0
630 900 1100 1300
8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 20.0 22.0 24.0
1850 2200 2850 3250 4000 5000
DAILY RETURN MONTHLY RETURN (uk £) (uk £)
3.36 4.81 5.87 6.94 9.84 11.70 15.16 17.29 21.28 26.60
94.20 134.57 164.47 194.38 275.58 327.71 424.54 484.12 595.84 744.80
ANNUAL RETURN (uk £)
R.O.I. (%)
TOTAL POWER (Kw)
CO2 SAVING (tonnes)
1,130.37 1,614.82 1,973.66
9.04 12.9
4,233
1.82 2.60
15.8 2,332.51 18.7 3,306.91 26.5 3,932.54 31.5 5,094.43 40.8 5,809.44 46.5 7,150.08 57.2 8,937.60 71.5
6,048 7,392 8,736 12,096 14,784 19,152 21,839 26,878 33,600
3.18 3.75 5.20 6.26 8.23 9.39 11.56 14.45
3.5Kw Wind Turbine A medium sized multi- vaned wind turbine suitable for Farm/Commercial/Residential operation. The Turbine powers a high torque slow speed PMG generator through a bevel gearbox. Suitable for mounting on a roof top or tower, the unit offers a high return on investment within a windy environment. It is highly efficient at low wind speeds due to the high torque from the turbine vanes. A 2/3 propellor type would need to be 4,500mm diameter to compete. Providing basic conditions are met on insullation/energy saving of the building the unit qualifies for a £2,500 Government grant (see government-grants.co.uk/wind_turbine_grants.shtml. This figure is not included in the ROI table. Planning, commissioning and certification is included. Installation is the buyers responsibility.
FRONT ELEVATION
EQUIVALENT TURBINE
SIDE ELEVATION
42Kw
Output Power
36Kw
Output Power 3 Phase @ 415v
30Kw 24Kw 18Kw 12Kw 6Kw 5
10
15
30
25
20
Wind Speed Knots AVERAGE WIND SPEED / RETURN ON INVESTMENT (R.O.I.) WIND SPEED (knots)
OUTPUT (Kwatts)
6.0
3.00 5.00
8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 20.0 22.0 24.0
7.00 9.00 11.50 14.00 17.00 21.00 26.00 31.50
30Kw Wind Turbine
DAILY RETURN MONTHLY RETURN (uk £) (uk £)
14.46
404.88
24.10 33.74
674.80 944.72 1,214.67
43.38 55.43 67.48 81.94 101.22 125.32 151.83
1,552.04 1,889.44 2,294.32 2,834.16 3,508.96 4,251.24
ANNUAL RETURN (uk £)
R.O.I. (%)
4,858.56 8,097.60
9.7 17.9
11,336.64 14,575.68 18,624.48
22.7 29.2
TOTAL POWER CO2 SAVING (tonnes) (Kw)
20,160 33,600 47,040 60,480
8.67 14.45 20.23 26.01
37.3 77,280 22,673.28 45.3 94,080 27,531.84 55.1 114,240 34,009.92 68.0 141,120 46,475.52 93.0 174,720 51,014.88 102.0 211,680
33.23 40.45 49.12 60.68 75.12 91.02
Gov allowance from 1st April 2010 24.1p per Kw/hr >15 -100kW 1day = 20hrs 1mth = 28days 1year = 12mnths
A large sized multi- vaned wind turbine suitable for Large Estates/Commercial Office operation. The Turbine powers a high torque slow speed PMG generator through a bevel gearbox. Yaw control is made through a motorised pinion within the bevel gearbox. Suitable for mounting on an office block rooftop or tower, the unit offers a high return on investment within a windy environment. It is highly efficient at low wind speeds due to the high torque from the turbine vanes. A 2/3 propellor type would need to be 11000 diameter to compete. A turbine of this size could qualify for Local Authority/Government grants of up to 25% of installed purchase cost. This figure is not included in the ROI table. Planning, commissioning, certification is included. Installation is not included.
SIDE ELEVATION
FRONT ELEVATION
EQUIVALENT TURBINE
140Kw
Output Power
120Kw
Output Power 3 Phase @ 415v
100Kw 80Kw 60Kw 40Kw 20Kw 5
10
15
20
25
30
Wind Speed Knots
AVERAGE WIND SPEED / RETURN ON INVESTMENT (R.O.I.) WIND SPEED (knots)
OUTPUT (Kwatts)
6.0
13.50 21.00
8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 20.0 22.0 24.0
28.00 37.00 47.00 56.00 70.00 85.00 98.00 122.00
100Kw Wind Turbine
DAILY RETURN MONTHLY RETURN (uk £) (uk £)
65.07 101.22 134.96 178.34 226.54 269.92 337.40 409.70 472.36 588.04
1,821.96 2,834.16 3,778.88 4,993.52 6,343.12 7,557.76 9,447.20 11,471.60 13,226.08 16,465.12
ANNUAL RETURN (uk £)
R.O.I. (%)
21,863.52 14.6 34,009.92 22.7 45,346.56 30.2 59,922.24 40.0 76,117.44 90,693.12 113,366.40 137,659.20 158,712.96 197,581.44
TOTAL POWER CO2 SAVING (tonnes) (Kw)
90,720 141,120 188,160 248,640
39.01 60.68 80.91 106.92
50.7 315,840 60.5 376,320 75.6 470,400 91.8 571,200 105.8 658,560 131.7 819,840
135.81 161.82 202.27 245.61 283.18 352.53
Gov allowance from 1st April 2010 24.1p per Kw/hr >15 -100kW 1day = 20hrs 1mth = 28days 1year = 12mnths
A large sized multi- vaned wind turbine suitable for Large Factories/Commercial Office / Tower block operation. The Turbine powers a high torque slow speed PMG generator through a bevel gearbox. Yaw control is made through a motorised pinion within the bevel gearbox. Suitable for mounting on an office block rooftop or tower, the unit offers a high return on investment within a windy environment. It is highly efficient at low wind speeds due to the high torque from the turbine vanes. A 2/3 propellor type would need to be 24,000 mm diameter to compete. A turbine of this size could qualify for Local Authority/Government grants of up to 25% of installed purchase cost. This figure is not included in the ROI table. Planning, commissioning and certification included. Installation is not included.
FRONT ELEVATION
SIDE ELEVATION
EQUIVALENT TURBINE
900Kw
Output Power
800Kw 700Kw
Output Power 3 Phase @ 415v
600Kw 500Kw 400Kw 300Kw 200Kw 100Kw
5
10
15
25
20
30
Wind Speed Knots
AVERAGE WIND SPEED / RETURN ON INVESTMENT (R.O.I.) WIND SPEED (knots)
OUTPUT (Kwatts)
6.0
60.00 110.00 180.00 245.00
113 207 338 461
320.00 360.00
602
8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 20.0 22.0 24.0
750Kw Wind Turbine
DAILY RETURN MONTHLY RETURN (uk £) (uk £)
677 865 460.00 555.00 1,043 660.00 1,241 755.00 1,419
3,158 5,790 9,475 12,897 16,845 18,950 24,214 29,215 34,742 39,743
ANNUAL RETURN (uk £)
37,901 69,485 113,702 154,762 202,138 227,405 290,573 350,582 416,909 476,918
R.O.I. (%)
TOTAL POWER CO2 SAVING (tonnes) (Kw)
7.6 403,200 13.9 739,200 22.7 1,209,600 31.0 1,646,400 40.4 2,150,400 45.5 2,419,200 58.1 3,091,200 70.1 3,696,000 83.4 4,435,200 95.4 5,073,600
173.4 317.9 520.1 707.9 924.6 1040.3 1,329.2 1,589.3 1,907.1 2,181.6
Gov allowance from 1st April 2010 9.4p per Kw/hr > 500 - 1.5MW 1day = 20hrs 1mth = 28days 1year = 12mnths
A very large sized multi- vaned wind turbine suitable for Larger Factories/Commercial Office/Apartment Blocks. The Turbine powers 5 toroidal PMG slow speed clutch controlled generators. The generators operate on a cascade concept - as speed increases the generators are switched sequentially online. This concept creates a higher efficiency over the whole speed range. Yaw control is made through a motorised pinion within the bevel gearbox. Suitable for mounting on an Apartment/ Office block, the unit offers a high return on investment within a windy environment. It is highly efficient at low wind speeds. A 2/3 propellor type would need to be 56,000 diameter to compete. This installation could qualify for Local Authority/Government grants up to 25% under the Renewable Energy Certification policy. This figure is not included in the ROI table. Planning, Commissioning and Certification included - Installation costs not included.
EQUIVALENT TURBINES
FRONT ELEVATION
SIDE ELEVATION
5000Kw
Output Power
4500Kw 4000Kw
Output Power 3500Kw 3 Phase @ 415v 3000Kw 2500Kw 2000Kw 1500Kw 1000Kw
5
10
15
25
20
30
Wind Speed Knots
AVERAGE WIND SPEED / RETURN ON INVESTMENT (R.O.I.) WIND SPEED (knots)
OUTPUT (Kwatts)
6.0
600 1,000 1,450 1,600
540 900 1,305 1,440
2,200 2,450 3,000 3,450 4,000 4,600
1,980
8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 20.0 22.0 24.0
4Mw Wind Turbine
DAILY RETURN MONTHLY RETURN (uk £) (uk £)
2,205 2,700 3,105 3,600 4,140
ANNUAL RETURN (uk £)
25,200 36,540
181,400 302,400 438,480
40,320
483,840
15,120
55,440 61,740 75,600 86,940 100,800 115,920
R.O.I. (%)
TOTAL POWER CO2 SAVING (tonnes) (Kw)
6.1 4,032,000 10.1 6,720,000 14.6 9,744,000 16.1 10,752,000
1,733.8 2,843.4 4,122.9
4,549.4 22.2 14,784,000 6,255.4 665,280 24.7 16,464,000 6,966.3 740,880 30.2 20,160,000 8,530.1 907,200 1,043,280 34.8 23,184,000 9,809.6 1,209,600 40.3 26,880,000 11,373.5 1,391,040 46.4 30,912,000 13,079.5
Gov allowance from 1st April 2010 4.5p per Kw/hr >1.5Mw-5Mw 1day = 20hrs 1mth = 28days 1year = 12mnths
A very large sized multi- vaned wind turbine designed for coastal/hilltop locations and suitable for Grid Support. The Turbine powers 5 toroidal PMG slow speed clutch controlled generators. The generators operate on a cascade concept - as speed increases the generators are switched sequentially online. This concept creates higher efficiency over the complete speed range. The whole top turret rotates to meet yaw demands (Wind direction). The tower incorporates living accommodation for a ‘Wind Turbine Keeper’. The unit offers a high return on investment within a windy environment. It is highly efficient at low wind speeds (see ROI table). This turbine replaces two 2/3 propellor types @ 90,000 diameter. This installation could qualify for Government/Local grants under the Renewable Energy Certification policy. This figure is not included in the ROI table. Planning, Installlation, commissioning and certification included. Land cost not included.