© Copyright Mission Critical Energy Inc, 2019 Version 1-2019
www.superwind.com
4.3 Functional description / special features
Like all wind turbines, the Superwind 350/48V uses the kinetic energy of the wind to
generate electricity. The power generated is approximately proportional to the cube of
the wind speed (i.e. doubling the wind speed results in eight times the power output).
This means that relatively little energy can be generated during the varying wind
speeds of a moderate breeze. A heavy storm however, contains such a high quantity
of energy that the wind generator must be protected against overstress and damage.
The Superwind 350/48V has been designed to achieve optimum power output for a
wide range of wind speeds while providing maximum safety and survivability during
storm conditions.
a) The rotor blades were developed using modern computerized calculation and
simulation methods. The airfoil has been wind tunnel tested and specifically
developed for small size rotors. Relatively broad rotor blades combined with a
special pitch angle produces a high start-up torque, enabling the rotor to start
turning at only 3.5 m/s (7.8 mph) of wind speed.
Optimum start-up performance will be reached after a break-in
period of the bearings and their seals. The duration of the break-in
period can vary depending on site wind conditions
When using the Superwind 350/48V for battery charging, do not confuse the initial rotor
start-up voltage for the output charging voltage. The wind speed required to start
charging depends on the battery’s state of charge and may be slightly higher than the
rotor start-up wind speed.
b) A key innovation of the Superwind 350/48V is its patented aerodynamic rotor
control system, which (similar to large wind turbines) automatically adjusts the
pitch angle of the rotor blades based on wind speed. The mechanical controller is
fully integrated into the hub and works without expensive, failure-prone electrical
or hydraulic components. Instead, the controller is actuated by forces arising
from operation of the wind turbine itself. These forces are affected by the
geometric and kinematic lay-out of the rotor controller mechanism.
Aerodynamic forces act as control variables to automatically adjust the rotor blades for
power regulation above the nominal operating wind speed of the unit. Simultaneously,
centrifugal forces (the second control variable of the rotor blade adjustment) are
introduced and as both the wind force and rotor speed decrease or increase, the
controller automatically limits rotor speed. This occurs even at extreme wind velocities.
This unique system is crucial in protecting the wind turbine from over-speed conditions,
even during no-load operation. As a result, the controller limits the mechanical loads at
high wind speeds and enables smooth operation under all weather conditions.
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