Our project will result in a proof of conept for an innovative new small wind turbine wth a unique generator and braking system. By applying our innovative technology, we will be able to significantly improve reliability and extend servicing intervals, reduce noise considerably and optimise the turbine for use in regions of lower average wind speeds and higher levels of turbulence. Small wind turbines are now proven to provide a cost effective means of generating renewable electricity, even though it is also recognised that the small wind turbine industry is still at an early stage of development, particularly from a technology perspective. Our project scope is to to prove the key concepts of the new turbine. We will build and bench test a demonstrator generator, design and build a proof of concept prototype wind turbine, undertake testing on the demonstrator and compare performance of the rotor and the generator to the design targets. If we can prove the concept and go on to develop a product, the following benefits will be achieved: - Very low noise, meaning that it can be located closer to dwellings and therefore available to larger market size. - Reduced maintenance costs - Improved energy yield on lower wind speed sites. We believe we can create a turbine which embodies a technological step change over all existing products. It is anticipated that these technological improvements will open up the market considerably, making wind power a viable option for areas where the planning and economic factors currently prevent the adoption of wind energy.

Small Wind turbines are an increasingly important element in the drive towards helping the UK become energy independent and achieving the target of 15% energy production from renewables by 2020. Annual maintenance or service checks are a major part of the overall cost of ownership of a turbine and can deter adoption or increase the time taken to pay back on investment. This project will explore an innovative way of using low cost, low power sensors to monitor turbine performance and condition to predict when a service may be due or to fault find on failure. New technology means that it may be possible to embed many sensors in each turbine, using energy harvesting to power both the sensors and a low energy wireless connection. By utilising wireless connection to the internet, the turbine can be monitored remotely.

Small wind turbines are an increasingly important element in the drive towards helping the UK become energy independent and achieving the target of 15% energy production from renewable by 2020. With refinements in wind technology, small wind turbines are proven to be cost effective and completely compatible with the government’s strategy of increasing domestic embedded generation, but the potential of these turbines has not yet been optimised. During 2011-12 Evance have achieved proof of concept for an innovative new small wind turbine with a unique generator and braking system. The new turbine will be a product which can significantly improve reliability and extend servicing intervals along with a considerable reduction in noise. Additionally the new turbine will be effective in areas of lower average wind speed, which will extend significantly the geographical areas that will be able to take advantage of wind generated power. We will complete our proof of concept project during 2012, and have already achieved our project goals by creating a viable proof of concept prototype. This purpose of this project was to demonstrate the performance of the blades and generator. Most of the turbine was made as a one-off, using manufacturing techniques that were not the production intent. This project has succeeded in giving us confidence that the turbine will meet expectations. We now wish to enter the development phase to enable us to build two full prototype turbines with different rotor configurations, perform a number of tests, conduct user trials and gather data in different conditions. In addition we will develop a battery charging controller for potential export markets.