Gaia-Wind
A video of Gaia-Wind's 11-kW wind turbine. Text Version
As part of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and U.S. Department of Energy (NREL/DOE) Independent Testing project, NREL tested Gaia-Wind's 11-kW small wind turbine at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC). Gaia-Wind's turbine is a three-phase induction generator that operates at 480 volts. The turbine's downwind rotor has a 13-meter diameter, and its tower is 18 meters tall. The two-bladed, oversized rotor is designed for low to moderate wind speeds.
Testing Progress
The date of the information in this progress report is November 2010. Supporting data and explanations for data provided in this table will be provided in the final reports. Data presented are preliminary and subject to revision.
Cumulative Energy Production
| Activity | Status |
|---|---|
| Award of Subcontract | February 7, 2008 |
| Preparation for Installation | Foundation poured: April 21, 2008 Components received: April 2, 2008 Documentation received: May 15, 2008 |
| Turbine Installation | May 13, 2008 |
| Turbine Commissioning | May 15, 2008 |
| Turbine O&M and Testing | |
| Safety and Function Test | Wind Turbine Safety and Function Test Report for the Gaia-Wind 11-kW Wind Turbine |
| Power Performance Test | Wind Turbine Generator System Power Performance Test Report for the Gaia-Wind 11-kW Wind Turbine |
Hrs of valid data (60 required) |
413 |
Bins completed (3-14 m/s required) |
0.5 - 16.5 |
| Acoustic Noise Test | Wind Turbine Generator System Acoustic Noise Test Report for the Gaia Wind 11-kW Wind Turbine |
| Power Quality Test | Wind Turbine Generator System Power Quality Test Report for the Gaia Wind 11-kW Wind Turbine |
| Duration Test | Wind Turbine Generator System Duration Test Report for the Gaia-Wind 11 kW Wind Turbine |
Months of operation (6 required) |
9.7 |
Hours of power production (2,500 required) |
2,704.9 |
Hours of power production in winds greater than 9 m/s (250 required) |
710.6 |
Hours of power production in winds greater than 13.5 m/s (25 required) |
215.0 |
kWh of production, cumulative |
24,867 |
| Turbine Removed | May 6, 2010 |
| Post-test Inspection | Completed |
| Final Documentation | Completed |
| Project Review Meeting | Completed |
