Specifications
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7.2 Power Generation testing
In order to ensure that the system can recharge the battery quickly and correctly, a few
different tests must be performed. To begin, the solar panel array and wind turbine will
be tested separately. Each generator will have a multitude of tests performed on it to
evaluate its performance and ensure that it is in fact generating the power that is
advertised to and is necessary for the system as a whole to operate correctly. Once
each power generation type is verified to be working correctly, the two will be combined
to ensure that no problems arise. The processes of testing the power generators in all
the different configurations will be detailed in the paragraphs below.
7.2.1 Wind Turbine
In order to properly test the capabilities of the wind turbine a series of procedures need
to be researched and studied as to most appropriate way to measure the output of the
micro wind turbine. There are many possible methods available to test the turbine in a
controlled environment. Some of those ways that will be discussed will include the open
field approach to allow a real world element into the testing to get solid results, the rpm
gauge where the energy produced will be measured while inputting a controlled amount
of rpms into the turbine, and the last method will be the automobile approach where
wind speed can be artificially simulated by mounting the turbine atop an automobile and
measured at various speeds in a controlled environment. All of which will be discussed
and considered for testing.
The first of the methods that will be looked into is the open field approach. As stated
before this will entail taking the generator out to an open air environment with air speed
measuring equipment and seeing how the turbine performs in a real world environment.
Such a scenario could be taking the generator out to one of the airports here in Orlando
where there are few obstructions to impede wind speed and where an average wind
speed can be observed and studied such as Orlando Executive Airport shown below.
Figure 65 – Orlando Executive Airport