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WIND TURBINE
Aeolus* on the psychiatrist's couch
- Aeolus: "Doctor, I don't get it. I've given Canada perfect
breezes and delightful gusts... yet hardly anyone seems
to want to use them!"
- Psychiatrist: "Don't worry, that will change..."
Turn the page to find out why.
*God of winds
As the turbine turns
It's true. In the past there was no Canadian manufacturer
of wind turbines. Farms, small businesses, outfitters
and remote villages that wanted to replace their diesel
generators had to import wind turbines, a very expensive
proposition.
But times have changed. New Canadian models, cost-effective
and perfectly adapted to our climate, now let us tame
the wind.
A gust of energy
This Canadian wind turbine, producing 30 kW, has a number
of innovative features.
The shape of the rotor blades is optimized to produce
energy even when the wind is weak. - A patented "variable
pitch" system in the rotor nose protects the windmill
from damage by adjusting the angle of attack of the blades
when the wind is too strong. - A revolutionary patented
electronic control system:
1) starts and stops the windmill automatically,
so the windmill can operate on its own at a remote site;
2) smoothes out the electric current produced.
For even though the wind varies constantly, the output
current has to be constant.
The winds of change
Canadian wind turbines are now rolling off the assembly
line, and gaining popularity abroad. They are sold throughout
the world, and could offer villages lacking electricity
a cost-effective energy source. What's more, they help
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That should be enough
to bring a smile to Aeolus' face!
Thanks!
This display on wind turbines was designed with help from
Plastiques Gagnon, in collaboration with Rossi and Caminex
(main drive train and bearings), Contrôle R.K. (electric
power panel), ATI-éolien and the Université du Québec
à Rimouski (electronic control system). The wind turbine
group at UQAR acted as scientific advisor.
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