Field test started for vertical wind turbine in Brütten
Agile Wind Power is testing a new version of its vertical wind turbine in Brütten. The innovative Vertical Sky design promises lower noise levels, simplified logistics and lower operating costs. The field test marks an important step in the further development of the technology.
According to a press release,Agile Wind Power has been testing a scaled-down version of its vertical wind turbine in Brütten since the end of October. The company, based in Dübendorf ZH, wants to use it to test the control technology in the field. The tests in the wind tunnel yielded positive results.
The test facility represents a milestone for the company. “This is an important step for confidence in the development of the turbine,” says Laurenz Zellweger, responsible for communications at Agile Wind Power. The rotors of a full-size test turbine in Grevenbroich, Germany, were cracked and then broke off, according to Zellweger the result of resonances in the rotor.
The rotors of the Agile Wind Power turbine rotate around the mast instead of around a scar at the top of the mast, as is the case with conventional wind turbines. With a tower height of 133 meters in the A40 version and a rotor length of 65 meters, the diameter of the turbine is still only 40 meters.
Agile Wind Power calls its innovative design Vertical Sky. It is intended to reduce the noise level of the turbine, simplify the logistics of installation and maintenance and reduce operating costs. In addition, locations that were previously unsuitable for wind power could be used.
The field test in Brütten is expected to last around a year.