Experience and assessment of the DOE-NASA Mod-1 2000-kilowatt wind turbine generator at Boone, North Carolina

The broad objectives of the Mod-1 program are defined, including the background information leading to the inception of the program. Activities on the Mod-1 program began in 1974, and the turbine was dedicated in July 1979. Rated power generation was accomplished in February 1980. The Mod-1 wind turbine is described in this report. In addition to the steel blade operated on the wind turbine, a composite blade was designed and manufactured. During the early phase of the manufacturing cycle a Mod-1A configuration was designed that identified concepts such as partial span control, a soft tower, and upwind teetered rotors that have been incorporated in second- and third-generation industry designs. The Mod-1 electrical system performed as designed, with voltage flicker characteristics within acceptable utility limits. Power output versus wind speed has equaled or exceeded design predictions. The wind turbine control system was operated successfully at the site and remotely from the utility dispatcher's office in Lenior, NC. During wind turbine operations, television interference was experienced by the local residents. As a consequence, operations were restricted. Although not implemented, two potential solutions were identified. In addition to television interference, a few local residents complained about objectionable sound, particularly the thump as themore » blade passed behind the tower. To eliminate the residents' objections, the sound generation level was reduced by 10 dB by reducing the rotor speed from 35 rpm to 23 rpm. During January 1981, bolts in the drive train fractured. A solution has been identified but not implemented as yet. During the past 2 years the public reaction toward the Mod-1 Turbine program has been overwhelmingly favorable. This includes the vast majority of Boone residents.« less