Why WPS
Features
Experiments
Specifications
Wind Power Simulator
Hands-on Apparatus for Learning the Basics of Wind Energy Power Generation to Operations & Maintenance
Wind Energy is the fastest growing renewable form of energy source in the world. To maximize the benefits from this technology, engineering students and technicians must be educated with the science and operational methodologies of wind turbines. SpectraQuest’s Wind Power Simulator (WPS) has been designed to teach/learn the fundamental principles of wind energy technology from power generation to operation and maintanence. This turnkey system provides an ideal platform for teaching the detailed concepts of how to generate electricity from the rotation of the blades/rotor, workings of electro-mechanical mechanisms, data acquistion, sensors & instrumentation, along with condition monitoring & diagnostics. The table-top system features three or four blade horizontal-axis rotor and hub, planetary and parallel shaft gearbox, brake system and a tri-phase generator.
The WPS is fully integrated with the SpectraQuest designed wind energy technology curriculum, step-by-step hands-on experimental exercises along with a full set of instrumentation to expedite learning. Each component of the WPS is provided with a see through window for visualizing the working details of the respective mechanism. Students can see the operation of both planetary and parallel shaft gearboxes, pitch control mechanism, slip rings, and more. The turnkey system can be used for teaching multiple courses in wind turbine technology program at your instittution.
Features
Ready to use, just rotate the main rotor manually and generate electrical power.Data acquisition and user friendly software system to monitor rpm, torque, voltage and current signals.All inclusive turnkey platform for teaching the fundamental principles – from power generation to operation & maintenanceBuilt-in torque sensor to calculate input mechanical energySensors for calculation of the electrical power to calculate conversion efficiencyPlanetary and parallel shaft gearbox with see through window designed for teaching operation and maintenance basicsFully integrated system with step-by-step instructions for experimentation and curriculum applicable to teaching several coursesRobust, modular, and easy to configure for a variety of experimentsSystem includes: main rotor, hub, rolling element bearings, planetary and parallel shaft gearbox, brake system, generator, torque sensors and instruments.
Key Experiments and Applications
Perform controlled experiments to learn the effects of various components on electric power production and the performance of a wind turbine.Measure voltage & current to compute power and develop characteristics curves as a function of the shaft rotational speed.Use the data acquisition system to monitor all signals in real-time.Measure shaft rotational speed (rpm) in different stages and calculate gear ratio of the planetary and parallel shaft gearboxes. Monitor speeds in real-time and observe the shafts and gears in motion.Calculate bearings and gearbox fault frequencies to learn condition monitoring using vibration analysis.Perform assembly/removal operations to enhance maintenance and repair skills on mechanical components of a wind turbine, such as gears, bearings, couplings, etc.Understand the principles of operations of electricity generators. Perform assembly/removal operations to enhance maintenance and repair skills on electro-mechanical components.Calculate the mechanical input power and compare it with the electrical power to calculate conversion efficiency.Learn to install and use different transducers such as tachometer, torque sensor, current probes, etc.Use data acquisition systems for monitoring different signals, such as voltage, current, rpm, torque, etc. Software is ready to use for desktop, laptop and tablet devices.Learn the effect of blade pitch angle and application of slip ring for signal transmission from a rotor to a stationary measurement system.
Electrical |
Tachometer | Built-in tachometer with LCD display and one pulse per revolution analog TTL output for DAQ purposes |
Generator | 1/2 hp 3 phase asynchronous induction, 4 poles, with rolling element bearing |
Instruments Power Supply | 24 VDC |
Power Generated | Up to 300 W |
Power Monitoring Panel | 6 channel voltage/current transducer device to monitor 3-phase voltages, currents, and power of the generator |
Power Measurement Device | 6 channel voltage/current transducer device to monitor 3-phase voltages, currents, and power of the generator |
Mechanical |
Planetary Gearbox | 1 stage, 4 planets, stationary ring, input: planet carrier, output: sun; gearbox ratio:4.57 |
Parallel Shaft Gearbox | 2 stage gearbox, Ratio: stage 1: 100/29, stage 2: 150/29, overal:17.836 |
Gearbox Overall Ratio | 81.528 |
Torque Meter | Up to about 30 lb-in or 5 N.m, located between gearbox and generator |
Bearings | Deep groove ball bearings, 9 balls, 7.94 mm diameter, pitch 39.32 mm diameter |
Physical |
Weight | Approximately 200 lb |
Dimensions | L = 48″ (120 cm), W = 24″ (60 cm), H = 36″ (90 cm) |