Transportable 5-6MW Superconducting Wind Turbine Generator for use on Land

Presently land based wind turbine systems are limited to around 3.5MW in output power because of the logistics of transporting and lifting present blades, towers, and generator components. Larger systems are desired because they are expected to reduce the total cost of land based wind energy and reduce current subsidies. Present approaches of wind turbine generators going to direct drive using rare-earth permanent magnet are problematic because this class of materials has been identified as critical imported materials from China which is in short supply and is skyrocketing in price. This project will address the problem by developing an innovative class of superconducting wind turbine generators that will be lightweight such that they are easily transportable by trucks on present roads and installed on taller towers, thus enabling 5-6 MW land based wind turbine generator systems. Additionally, these superconducting generators will be direct drive and do not use critical and costly rare earth permanent magnets. Commercial Application and Benefits This project will enable the installation of 5-6MW land based wind turbine systems that will lower the total cost of energy to the public and reduce subsidies. The nation also benefits from increased job creation in the wind industry and increased use of green renewable energy. Furthermore, these superconducting generators would reduce our dependency on imported rare earth permanent magnet materials.