Optimizing Efficiency and Cost of a Wind Turbine Alternator and Coupled Inverter

New tools, methods, and designs are needed to reduce manufacturing cost, improve speed of fabrication, and improve the quality of both large- and small-scale wind turbines. In previous work, it has been demonstrated that a small residential wind turbine can be designed and manufactured with a cost of energy that is comparable with average retail electric rates, for average wind speeds of 5.4 m/s. The next goal of this development is to reduce the average wind speed, at which grid parity costs are achieved, to 4.3 m/s. To achieve this goal, this project will redesign the alternator and inverter, in order to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of the alternator. For the inverter, costs will be reduced by eliminating or reducing such components as capacitors and inductors. For the alternator, the focus will be on increasing the efficiency. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The improved inverter/alternator system should reduce the cost of energy for residential and commercial small-wind customers. Secondary benefits would include increased employment for manufacturers of small wind turbines as well as for independent dealers and installers.