FloDesign's Solution
FloDesign’s unique mixer/ejector technology and fluid machinery expertise was used to develop and patent a novel machine concept for more effectively converting wind energy into usable power. The new concept is called a Mixer/Ejector Wind Turbine (MEWT)
For a given wind velocity, a MEWT having a maximum diameter 50% smaller than an existing 3-Bladed Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) can potentially generate over 50% more power, and can potentially cost 25-35% less than the same HAWT. The FloDesign Wind Turbine Corporation was initiated to develop such wind turbines in Western Massachusetts. It has an exclusive license from FloDesign to fabricate and market the MEWT concept.
The MEWT system uses cambered ringed airfoils (shrouds) and an efficient mixer/ejector pump to draw in more wind flow through the machine. A stator-rotor turbine cascade design is used to more effectively extract energy from the flow. This new cascade concept allows smaller, more durable rotor blades that can withstand high wind gusts and turbulence.
Furthermore, the low inertia, smaller rotor blades spin faster and provide more energy extraction at both lower and higher wind speeds. The shrouded blades and higher rotor speeds also reduce gear box complexity and result in quieter, safer wind turbines.
Why It's better
Only about one half the wind flow approaching an existing Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) passes through the rotor blades. This is a major limiting factor in energy extraction. FloDesign’s MEWT system uses cambered ringed airfoils (shrouds) and an efficient mixer/ejector pump to draw in more wind flow through the machine.
A stator-rotor turbine cascade design is used to more effectively extract energy from the flow. For a given wind velocity, a MEWT having a maximum diameter 50% smaller than an existing 3-Bladed HAWT can potentially generate over 50% more power, and can potentially cost 25-35% less than the same HAWT.
Besides such performance attributes, FloDesign’s MEWT machine also delivers many additional valuable benefits such as:
• Significant load shift from the rotating to static parts
• Earlier, easier startup
• Minimization or elimination rotor stall complications
• More robust, easier to manufacture blades
• Reduction of gearing requirements
• Reduced sensitivity to wind incidence or gusts
• Quieter and safer design
• Lower first and life costs
Furthermore, the MEWT system could even be used at severe sites where wind gusts and variability make current HAWT installations impractical.
FloDesign’s unique mixer/ejector technology and fluid machinery expertise was used to develop and patent a novel machine concept for more effectively converting wind energy into usable power. The new concept is called a Mixer/Ejector Wind Turbine (MEWT)
For a given wind velocity, a MEWT having a maximum diameter 50% smaller than an existing 3-Bladed Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) can potentially generate over 50% more power, and can potentially cost 25-35% less than the same HAWT. The FloDesign Wind Turbine Corporation was initiated to develop such wind turbines in Western Massachusetts. It has an exclusive license from FloDesign to fabricate and market the MEWT concept.
The MEWT system uses cambered ringed airfoils (shrouds) and an efficient mixer/ejector pump to draw in more wind flow through the machine. A stator-rotor turbine cascade design is used to more effectively extract energy from the flow. This new cascade concept allows smaller, more durable rotor blades that can withstand high wind gusts and turbulence.
Furthermore, the low inertia, smaller rotor blades spin faster and provide more energy extraction at both lower and higher wind speeds. The shrouded blades and higher rotor speeds also reduce gear box complexity and result in quieter, safer wind turbines.
Why It's better
Only about one half the wind flow approaching an existing Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) passes through the rotor blades. This is a major limiting factor in energy extraction. FloDesign’s MEWT system uses cambered ringed airfoils (shrouds) and an efficient mixer/ejector pump to draw in more wind flow through the machine.
A stator-rotor turbine cascade design is used to more effectively extract energy from the flow. For a given wind velocity, a MEWT having a maximum diameter 50% smaller than an existing 3-Bladed HAWT can potentially generate over 50% more power, and can potentially cost 25-35% less than the same HAWT.
Besides such performance attributes, FloDesign’s MEWT machine also delivers many additional valuable benefits such as:
• Significant load shift from the rotating to static parts
• Earlier, easier startup
• Minimization or elimination rotor stall complications
• More robust, easier to manufacture blades
• Reduction of gearing requirements
• Reduced sensitivity to wind incidence or gusts
• Quieter and safer design
• Lower first and life costs
Furthermore, the MEWT system could even be used at severe sites where wind gusts and variability make current HAWT installations impractical.
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