Variable Speed Ice Making System for Wind Generated Power

50547-98-I Variable Speed Ice Making System for Wind Generated Power--Foster-Miller, Inc., 350 Second Avenue, Waltham, MA 02154-1104; (781) 684-4239 Mr. James Carter, Principal Investigator Mr. Adi R. Guzdar, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82583 Amount: $74,964 Off-grid power systems which utilize wind turbine generators require either some form of energy storage or dump load. The production of ice in these situations could be a practical means of addressing this problem. However, commercial ice making systems are not well suited to the variable electrical output of a wind turbine. This project will develop an ice making system which utilizes a variable speed compressor mechanically driven by a wind turbine. After a proof-of-concept system is tested in Phase I, a prototype system will be developed for installation onto a commercially available wind turbine. In Phase I, a mock-up system, consisting of an automotive compressor connected to a variable speed electric motor, will be constructed, providing refrigerant flow for an ice maker. The compressor will be provided with a variable speed input which mimics the output from a wind turbine. A microprocessor control system will govern the compressor output, as well as the flow into the ice maker, so that ice will be produced regardless of turbine speed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: This low cost system would provide energy ¿storage¿ in the form of a useable product, allowing for more efficient use of wind generated power for off-grid power systems. _