The Wind Energy Unit, “EEE”, contains an aerogenerator, in laboratory-scale, and is used to study the conversion of kinetic wind energy into electrical energy and to study the influence of some factors on this generation.

The unit consists of a stainless steel tunnel, an aerogenerator and an axial fan with variable speed. A rotor (or turbine) to place up to blades and a generator are the core elements of the aerogenerator.

The air speed is varied by changing the rotational speed of the axial fan. This fan generates the air flow required to set the rotor of the wind energy unit. The generator converts the rotor’s kinetic energy into electrical energy.

The aerogenerator incidence angle and the angle of every blade can be modified. The blades can be removable and it’s possible to set different blade configurations.

This unit includes a DC Load Regulator, an auxiliary battery charger, a battery and a DC Loads module. The DC Loads module contains DC lamps, rheostat, DC motor, load selector and switches to select the type of load:

• Position 1: The aerogenerator or regulator operates at open circuit voltage.
• Position 2: The DC lamps and the rheostat are directly connected to the aerogenerator or regulator. These loads can be connected independently or in parallel with the help of manual switches.
• Position 3: The DC motor is directly connected to the aerogenerator or regulator.
• Position 4: Bypass mode, there are no DC loads.

The following parameters are measured: air temperature, air speed, speed of the rotor and voltage and current. There is a temperature sensor before the rotor of the aerogenerator. The air speed is measured with an anemometer placed in the tunnel and also is determined the rotational speed of the aerogenerator (r.p.m.). A voltage and current sensor allows to measure the voltage and current to determine the power.

It is possible to know, in real time, the value of the DC voltage and the current given by aerogenerator, measured before and after the regulator.