Concerning the conversion efficiency increase of the available wind potential

Abstract

There are some arguments in favor of the small systems for wind energy conversion directly in thermal energy by using the eddy current heater: the existing structure of power and thermal energy consumption is in favor of the last, reliability and low cost of the eddy current heater, optimal operation at different wind speeds, higher capacity factor of wind turbine, heat accumulation and its use during periods, when the wind doesn’t blow, can be solved simply and cheaply. Based on non-dimensional characteristic efficiency factor - tip speed ratio and size of the turbine rotor was calculated power curve, which shows a real possibility to increase the production of thermal energy at wind speeds higher than rated wind speed. The calculation algorithm is presented. In one and the same wind conditions the wind turbine will produce more thermal energy than power. Based on measured wind data for one year and wind turbine power curve, the power and thermal energy production were calculated. In the analyzed example (turbine rated power is 9,8 kW) the amount of thermal energy will be higher by about 6 % for 12 months and in the cold season, when wind speed is higher - with 12 to 18 %.