WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition 2019

e-POSTER: Reduce the Levelized Cost of Energy by Using Aerodynamic Flow Deflectors, It's a Wind Win!

22 May 19
1:30 PM - 1:55 PM

Tracks: Poster Presentations, Wind Turbine Structures, Dynamics, Loads & Control

Speaker(s): Arturo Villegas, CEO, XPEED Turbine Technology

This presentation will introduce you to a new blade technology that is helping wind turbines become more efficient and at the same time is reducing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) significantly. The new technology, called Aerodynamic Flow Deflectors (AFDs), is the outcome of 6 years of research funded by Rutgers University (NJ) and merit-based grants from the National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation and Research Phases I and II. The main benefit of the technology is the improvement of the wind farm annual energy production by 2-4% while reducing the LCOE by 1-3%. This is shown on the most recent test of the AFDs retrofitted on the blades of the GE 1.5MW SLE turbine at the NREL NWTC center. Case studies from different tests turbines will be presented to demonstrate the impact of this technology on important wind energy metrics such as AEP, LCOE, and ROI. Audience engagement is encouraged during the presentation, so experts and general public can share their opinion on the case studies and on the different technologies’ advantages/disadvantages. In addition, you will learn details about field testing and challenges faced while connecting new technologies from the university setup to the industry. Finally, societal benefits of small power increments will be presented, including reduction in carbon pollution and number of homes that could be powered thanks to those small increments.