A new safety brake feature for smaller wind turbines has been invented to help protect them from storm damage, which can occur when high-speed winds overwork and sometimes destroy their rotors.
Small wind turbines aren’t designed to stand more than medium speed winds, and the brake developed by Suco Technologies can monitor the wind’s speed. When the turbine’s limits are met, the brake deploys, only releasing itself when it senses the speed has reduced, cutting down on costly mechanical systems.
While the brake cannot fully reduce rotation of the turbines, testing of it and other solutions can lead to longer lifespans for smaller wind turbines, helping prevent maintenance costs and potential breakdowns. Additionally, the brake can be used without an external power supply, preventing a need for additional work to be done.
Another aspect of wind turbine research that can add to longevity is testing which locations would be the most effective place for them, according to the Washington Post. Studies by Carnegie Mellon have shown that wind farms placed in areas such as West Virginia could produce more benefits than in largely populated areas such as California when pollution levels are taken into account.
These testing methods will add to turbines’ quality, making them longer lasting and more effective.