BACKGROUND

Carbon Concepts has used the experience gained in mechanical design and composites engineering in the motorsports industry to design and develop a family of wind and water turbines for domestic, industrial and general applications.  The technology is dependent on the electrical generator and aerodynamic expertise from the University of Durham, and our own carbon fibre wing experience.  This relationship has resulted, once again, in a series of products designed and engineered to the highest standards at a competitive price.

We are pleased to offer the generator and composite blade technology to manufacturers and distributors of small wind and water turbines.

WHY A VERTICAL AXIS TURBINE?

• Almost totally silent operation - even at high speed and load.

• Perception of lower visual impact - improved public acceptance.

The disadvantages are that the engineering is more complicated, it is very intolerant of poor aerodynamics and the blade stresses are higher.  We believe that the advantages are critical to the acceptability of small wind turbines, particularly when mounted on or close to buildings.  This is of particular importance for urban installations where local authorities are seeking to meet current energy targets. 

SMALL SCALE WIND AND WATER POWER

Carbon Concepts 2.5 KW wind turbine generating set

click here to see short  video

TECHNOLOGY

The performance and cost effectiveness of the wind turbine derive from the advanced technology generator (see below) and the aerodynamics and structure of the rotor set.  The rotor has been designed in accordance with the best available low speed aerodynamic technology and is fully optimised for the unusual conditions of the vertical axis wind turbine.  The turbine currently drives an electrical generator, but would equally support water or hydraulic pumps and heat pumps.

Testing has confirmed that, even at high speed and load, the rotor is effectively silent.  Attempts to measure the noise of the rotor showed that perceived noise was dominated by the wind and adjacent trees.

The design of the first installation was completed in conjunction with the University of Nottingham.  The work was carried out as a fourth year Group Development Project by four students completing their M. Eng. degree.  The design brief was that the installation should be fully portable.  It can be erected by two people without the need for special tooling or lifting equipment and is transported on a small boat trailer.

  We believe that the complete portability of this turbine makes it unique. 

For maximum stability, the generator is mounted at the bottom of the tower and is driven by a shaft.  Both electrical and mechanical breaking systems are employed to allow a controlled emergency stop. This turbine is set up as an electrical generator.  With appropriate processing it is suitable for battery charging, mains connection and direct heating. 

Fixed Installations

For fixed installations the same generator and rotor will be mounted as an integrated unit at  the top of the tower (typically 5 metres).  This installation is illustrated below.  The low weight of our assembly means that this can also be assembled and erected on site without special equipment or lifting gear. 

Advanced Electrical Generator Technology

Carbon Concepts has completed the development of  an advanced generator specifically designed for "Point-of-Use" wind and water applications.  The Generator has been produced in conjunction with the University of Durham and used advanced technology patented by Dr. Jim Bumby, a reader at the university 

Features

The Generator offers many advantages for wind and water applications:

• optimised for speeds typical of small turbines (typically less than 1000 rpm)

• easy to match to customers' specific requirements

• no "cogging torque" to inhibit start-up

• low mass

• switchable configuration to suite application

• can be used in geared and direct drive applications

• may be mounted at the top or the base of the tower

• drive shaft at both ends of generator

• choice of vertical or horizontal installation

• direct or remote rotor mounting

• standard key drive

• easily adapted to other ratings

2.5K.W. wind generator set - fixed installation

Specification

• rated at 3 - 5 KW at 250 RPM

• 93% efficiency

• three phase output

• brushless

• "rare earth" permanent magnets

• axial flux

• iron-less stator construction

• output voltages available to suite:

  • battery charging

  • mains connection

  • direct heating

• high quality, advanced materials

• 600 mm diameter (3 KW generator)

The generator has been specifically designed to match the requirements of a family of "Point-of-Use" wind and water turbines currently under development jointly with the University of Durham.  The first of these machines will run early in the new year. 

Major features are:

• rated at 2.5 KW (at 12 m/s)
• advanced "Scimitar" blade plan form for maximum efficiency and minimum noise
• direct drive

This first machine will be followed by a 1.0KW vertical wind turbine, and a 5 KW water turbine.  All of these share common generator technology

CAD drawing of the 2.5 K.W. Generator

General Applications

In addition to our own applications, we are also pleased to offer the generator and our related technologies for general sale to other manufactures or individuals requiring light-weight and high efficiency.

We would be pleased to discuss your specific requirements.