History
In 2001 and 2002, three guyed prototype versions of the Windstar Model 530G were installed in Palm Springs, California. The Model 530G prototype used extruded aluminum blades, was supported by a guyed cable system and was rated at 25 kW. The three 530G turbines were placed in close proximity, creating the first Linear Array Vortex Turbine System (LAVTS). The 530G LAVTS was rated at 75 KW and was run continuously for five years to collect performance data.
In 2006, Wind Harvest International began design work on a series of Windstar turbine models to take advantage of the properties demonstrated in the 530G LAVTS prototype: Model 636, 1500 and 3000 turbines. The Model 636 is a direct evolution of the 530G, with an increase in blade length, in order to increase swept area, and including a modified bearing design. The 1500 and 3000 turbine models stand 50 feet (15 m) high with a 40-foot-tall (12 m) rotor and 50-75 kW generators. The Windstar 1500 is 37.5 feet (11.4 m) wide and is designed for higher wind speed locations. The Windstar 3000 will be 75 feet (23 m) wide to operate better in lower wind speed locations (14-16 mph). Model 636 continues to use extruded aluminum blades, similar to the 530G. Models 1500 and 3000 use pultruded fiberglass blades.
By 2010, Windstar Model 636 turbines were placed on the transitional list for approved wind energy generation systems qualifying for the FIT (Feed-in-Tariff) energy pricing in the UK. In 2011, Wind Harvest International, Inc. began the process for MCS certification of the Model 636 LAVTS.
Read more about this topic: Windstar Turbine
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