Cleanfield has customized many unique features to provide a fully integrated 3kW VAWT offering. This proprietary solution enables the complete system to be optimized for maximum efficiency, reliability and life expectancy. Some other companies may offer some of the following features, however, we believe there is no competitor that provides such a comprehensive, proven offering.

Cleanfield’s 3kW vertical axis wind turbine has been designed for simplicity, resulting in fewer moving parts and increased reliability. The centred structure can accommodate grounding for lightning protection. The turbine’s high aspect ratio accommodates a low nominal RPM, resulting in lower tip speeds and negligible audible noise. The spoke’s aerodynamic profile introduces very low power losses contributing to a higher power coefficient of the turbine. And the turbine’s RPM is controlled by a patented electro-mechanical brake which is pulse controlled requiring minimal energy consumption to engage or disengage.

The turbine is equipped with a custom developed sensor/communication interface board which communicates with the inverter via an RS485 communication protocol. The main purpose of this board is for data collection, supervision and protection of the turbine thereby increasing reliability, extending the life expectancy and lowering maintenance costs. Features include:

1. Monitoring of turbine vibration. A key benefit is shutdown of the turbine if excessive vibration is detected, thereby minimizing damage and maximizing safety obligations.
2. Monitoring of generator temperature to control output power of the turbine. In addition, a controlled turbine shutdown can be enabled based on the thermal operating limits.
3. Ambient temperature is monitored to prevent the turbine from starting if outside temperature drops below -40˚C to avoid bearing damage.
4. RPMs are monitored and controlled to ensure the turbine is operated within safety limits and for maximized efficiency.
5. Provision of power for optional beacon light, which can be mounted on top of turbine.
6. Capability for collecting wind speed information if equipped with optional anemometer.
7. Monitoring of electromechanical brake status to ensure controlled stoppage of turbine.

The inverter has been designed with a custom algorithm for either permanent magnet generator or induction generator. The flux vector control software provides a sophisticated means of monitoring voltage, frequency and current without costly and unreliable external sensors. This software is capable of profiling and predicting patterns and conditions of the turbine.

Turbine RPMs are custom controlled by regulating current to and from the turbine. The control algorithm allows variable speed operation at the optimum power level by closely following the power curve of the turbine. During site installation, any resonant frequencies resulting in vibration are detected by the sensor board. The inverter software automatically avoids the respective critical RPMs increasing reliability and life expectancy of the turbine.

The inverter hardware (AC-DC-AC) has been designed with two back-to-back converters with similar topology minimizing the overall component variability. Use of the DC bus as a flexible coupling between the generator and the power mains provides flexibility for connection of additional sources such as solar and external battery storage. The open architecture software is flexible to various configurations by means of onsite programmability. It is designed to accommodate two types of generators, permanent magnet and induction, various line voltages, frequencies (50Hz or 60Hz), single or 3 phase, grid connected or off-grid operation. It is also capable of accommodating multiple system configurations as well as different power curves for various wind turbines.

Offsite monitoring by Cleanfield is available via Ethernet internet connection for preventative maintenance and monitoring power productivity for customers.

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