BIG WIND TESTING ON

DOE, Siemens Begin Tests on Massive Wind Turbine
Katie Howell, October 22, 2009 (NY Times)

"The Energy Department and Siemens Energy Inc…launched a new multiyear wind energy test to study the performance and aerodynamics of large land-based turbines.

"The three-year test, which will be conducted at DOE's National Wind Technology Center near Boulder, Colo., [by DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers] will employ a 2.3-megawatt Siemens turbine and will verify basic turbine characteristics and new performance-enhancing features of the turbine, which has a 331-foot-diameter rotor…"

High level research. (click to enlarge)

"The planned tests will gauge structural and performance tests; modal, acoustics and power quality; aerodynamics; and turbine performance enhancements. The tests will include a range of real-world operating regimens and severe weather conditions…

"NREL researchers are also interested in studying the ground-support requirements for larger wind turbines, which can weigh 400 to 800 tons."

2.3 megawatts is just the beginning. The industry has its designs on 8 and 10 megawatt machines that could power a whole suburb by themselves. (click to enlarge)

"The Siemens turbine to be used in the tests is among the largest land-based turbines deployed in the United States…[T]he collaboration is the biggest government-industry research partnership for wind power generation ever undertaken in the United States.

"Siemens will contribute $9 million and NREL $5 million to the initial phase of the project…"