Microgrid Wind Turbine for Distributed Generation

Establishing a secure domestic supply of clean energy has emerged as an existential challenge facing the US, given geopolitical threats to global energy supplies and serious risks arising from climate change. Utility-scale wind turbine technology has grown rapidly to supply 2% of US electricity needs, but many regions are not suitable for large wind turbines. Distributed generation of wind energy by American homes and businesses has the potential to make a significant contribution to electricity supplies, but small turbine costs must come down and safety and reliability must improve. The innovative Microgrid Wind Turbine combines a low cost blade design, a high performance alternator, and a novel over speed protection system to deliver reduced cost of energy, increased reliability, and unparalleled safety in distributed generation applications. The project will focus first on feasibility assessment of the key system components, and subsequently on development of a fully functional prototype.Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The Microgrid Wind Turbine project will accelerate the adoption of clean, domestic renewable energy technology, providing economic and environmental benefits to families and communities, while helping to secure the US role in the emerging green technology market