Horizontal-axis wind generator performance with varying tip speed ratio and rotor orientation

An experimental investigation of the performance of a horizontal-axis wind generator was conducted with varying rotor tip speed ratio and orientation relative to wind directions. The machine tested had a rotor diameter of 6.6 m, and a three-phase alternator with diode-rectified output. Rotor speed was controlled by changing the voltage level of the battery load. Operation at varying tip speed ratio (blade tip speed/wind speed) was thus produced. Rotor orientation relative to wind direction (yaw) was controlled by adjusting the position of a steering tail mounted on the wind generator. Values of performance coefficient C(p) are calculated for the various data points, using an elliptical model for projected rotor area. The results are considered to be useful for guidance in the design of performance-optimizing control systems and power-limiting devices for horizontal-axis wind generators.