Wind Turbines - Hydraulic pump - Generator

[LaurenceSachs]

Hello there,

I have an application where we are considering installing several vertical wind turbines at one close location. My manager has asked me if it is viable connecting these turbines VIA AN HYDRAULIC SYSTEM to a single generator. I consider a direct drive generator on each turbine as a more viable and efficient option.

What are your opinions on this?

 

[tritoon]

Yes, move the electrical output not the oil. Lots of losses and starting problems and higher losses as temperature drops.

Regards
Bert

 

[LaurenceSachs]

Thank you for confirming my thoughts Tritoon!

 

[EdDanzer]

Moving the electrical energy may not be the most efficient lowest cost method. If the turbines run at different speeds and are not too large hydraulic may provide a lower cost more efficient system. Insulating the hoses, pumps and motors is not real expensive. Having multiple hydraulic motors driving a larger generator a constant speed could easily be as efficient as multiple electrical systems if the rpm difference between turbines is greater than 5%.
A direct drive generator will require power conditioning controls that are very efficient and output the finished voltage for grid use on each turbine. This hardware and software can be quite expensive if you want greater than 80% average efficiency over a wide speed range.

Ed Danzer

http://www.danzcoinc.com

http://www.dehyds.com