Monitoring

Monitoring of turbines now formally in progress. Meters to have radio link installed back to Satchwell utilities monitoring software. Vibrartion brakes to be removed and better hard brakes to be fitted (March 2007).

Analysis

Full analysis of output received. Main cause for poor turbine output due to low average wind speed at 2.8m/s. (April 2008)

A thorough user evaluation took place before the renovation but due to changing circumstances the main works have not progressed therefore post occupancy evaluation is not available.

With regard to the wind turbines, these have already been installed. Preliminary power output results have been disappointing and the situation is still being investigated but in summary the results are as follows:

• Target output for 2 kWp peak wind turbine 33,800 kWh/a.
• Actual output from first year 5,750 kWh.

The poor output seems to result from a combination of the following factors:

1. The wind conditions encountered during that particular year, which had
more northerlies than normal.
2. Likely over estimation of the power output to be achieved not properly
taking into account the wind disruption factor caused by the presence
of the Tower Block adjacent to the turbine installation.
3. Poor performance by the installer and manufacturer to resolve
problems with the turbine breaking systems.
4. Increased downtime caused by shadow flicker although this has mainly
occurred during non windy periods therefore of less significance.

More significant monitoring is taking place in the second year of operation to identify more precisely the reasons behind the poor performance of these wind turbines.