Unique: The new wind turbine.
KIM WATERS
GEELONG engineering firm Austeng is building a uniquely designed silent wind turbine for business and industrial sites.
The Renewable Energy Solutions Australia (RESA) design aims to supply energy for factories, warehouses, ports, airports and schools.
RESA business development manager Michael Le Messurier said the 23-metre “virtually silent” turbine was rated at 20kW.
“The Eco Whisper turbine is unique with its 30 blades extending outward to from a 6.5-metre diameter central hub,” he said.
“The advanced dynamic slew drive eliminates requirement for a tail, allowing the turbine to operate in high wind speeds while facing the wind full-time. This avoids turn-away losses and results in increased power over longer time periods.”
Mr Le Messurier said Austeng was building a commercial prototype for on-site testing.
The company chose Austeng based on Industry Capability Network recommendation and its track record in “high-level projects”.
Mr Le Messurier said the turbine was also suitable for rural zones around Geelong due to the region’s “abundant wind resource”.
“It’s well-suited to urban development sites such as office buildings, apartments, industry parks, shopping centres and universities.
“The turbine provides grid connection through an approved inverter. Power can be used on-site or fed back into the grid, making the turbine extremely versatile.”
Austeng project engineer David Hapgood said the company had been working on the project for six months.
“We’re keen to put the test unit up at our site and hook it up to see how it lowers our company’s carbon footprint.”
Mr Le Messurier said once the test phase had been successfully completed the company would ramp up production.
