Wind-generator tests

Press, 30 April 1981, Page 6

Wind-generator tests

Tests will begin next week at Lincoln College on a wind generator to be erected on the Chatham- Islands. The system will be subject to a range of tests and commissioning trials over the next three months before being moved to the Chathams. A team of technicians from the M.A.N. Company in Germany are due in New Zealand this week-end to supervise the erection of the Aeroman generator, and to do experiments on the equipment. The two-blade generator stands 10m high, has a propeller diameter of 11m, and

is capable of producing 11 kilowatts of electric power (enough to run 11 one-bar heaters simultaneously). . The generator will be installed on the Chatham Islands by the Ministry of Works and Development, and will be switched directly in the main grid on the island to satisfy the growing electricity requirements of the community. The two-blade rotor is fitted with heavy-duty blades with a special aerodynamic profile. The shape of the blades is derived from modern glider engineering. They are designed to have a mini-

mum service life of 20 years, and to be able to withstand the most violent storms without damage. It is estimated that the machine will cost almost $30,000, with added costs for testing and installation. This is one of the biggest machines to be installed by the Ministry of Works, and follows smaller equipment used to pump water and to supply power to batteries for radio transmitters. After the successful completion of tests the generator will be assembled on an exposed position between Waitangi and the meat works on Chatham Island.