POTSDAM, N.Y., Feb. 20 Two professors at Clarkson University in New York are working to develop a smaller, more versatile wind turbine.
Kenneth Visser, associate professor of mechanical and aeronautical engineering and Pragasen Pillay, Jean Newell Distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering, are collaborating with Warner Energy in New York. Their goal is to make wind power more cost-effective and competitive by increasing the aerodynamic and electrical efficiency of turbines.
According to CU, the new, small wind turbine would be used in both urban and rural areas and can operate efficiently in low wind areas. Warner Energy is a joint venture between O'Brien & Gere, an engineering and project delivery company, and the Drescher Corporation.
Today's small turbines are only about half as efficient as theoretically possible, Visser said. If turbines can be made more compact and efficient, the cost effectiveness would promote owner interest and they could be mounted on building tops in metropolitan areas, on farms and even residential homes across the country.A patent is pending on the design concept and construction already began on the first full-scale 2.5 kilowatt prototype. The first bench-scale prototype designed, built and tested at CU.
Copyright 2007 by UPI
