Something is happening in Brütten, near Winterthur. Preparatory work has been completed on the construction site of the Vertical Sky® test facility. The rotor is due to be installed in mid-November.
Preparatory work
The Vertical Sky®-A6 test turbine represents an important step on the way to building the next megawatt turbines: the newly developed turbine control system and the operational management system already tested in the wind tunnel are tested here in a real environment. In order for the test system to be installed, some preparatory work had to be carried out.
In addition to renewing the power connection, a crew container was also set up in which the Agile Wind Power team can carry out the various tasks. Measurements and tests were carried out in advance to ensure the structural stability: The tower, made of concrete, is holding. The preparatory work has now been completed and the 20m high tower is ready to receive the rotor.
«We would like to take this opportunity to thank BWT Bau AG for their generous support in providing the container.»
Integration into the surroundings
In addition to the technical preparation, the appearance of the system was also revised. With a paint job that creates the interplay between camouflage and clouds, the installation is better integrated into the landscape and therefore less conspicuous. Initial reactions are promising.
Production in Germany
The missing parts of the test turbine, the entire rotor, were produced and assembled at the Agile Wind Power plant in Lemwerder, Germany. This is the home of wind energy expertise and experienced suppliers. Agile Wind Power’s employees therefore also have extensive experience in the manufacture of rotor blades for large wind turbines.
Northern Germany is predestined for the generation of electricity from wind power: Good wind conditions and sufficient space. Our primary target market is therefore also in the northern federal states, and the first Vertical Sky® turbines are already planned for locations in Germany.
Wide range of possible uses
The number of potential locations where renewable electricity can be produced with Vertical Sky® systems is large because they are quieter and blend in better with their surroundings than conventional systems. Not only because of the painting, but above all due to the slower rotation and vertical alignment of the rotor blades. Vertical lines are already increasingly present in the surroundings, for example at the edges of houses, radio antennas, trees, etc.
The innovative turbines will therefore be approved much more quickly. As a study* on the causes of objections to wind turbine projects from 2019 shows, the most common reasons are concerns about animals and noise nuisance. Specifically, the three projects under development in Germany and Poland are planned for use in industrial plants. These will be able to use the electricity directly for their own production. This is in line with Agile Wind Power’s strategy of producing renewable electricity where it is needed.
Local, sustainable and compatible with the environment.
* Reasons for legal action against wind energy projects (source: Fachagentur-Windenergie, Neue Energie Aug. 2019)
Sound power level of wind turbines. Source: E. Hau; Windkraftanlagen, 4th edition 2008 (scale extended downwards for Vertical Sky® by Agile Wind Power)
