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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SEESWIND (SEESWIND, Silent, Efficient and Economic Small Wind Energy.)

Teaser

Summary

Small wind technologies are usually applied for distributed energy generation and self-consumption either in urban, rural or isolated areas. However, average wind speeds at the heights suitable for small wind generation (<50m) are between 2 and 5m/s (soft and medium winds) in 85% of the world surface. Most of current market turbines need wind speeds of 7-13 m/s to reach their maximum power conversion efficiencies ranging from 0.2 to 0.4, thus showing poor performances with slow winds. In urban areas small wind technologies also need to be extremely silent and safe, with noise levels below 55dBA and efficient safety systems. However, the biggest limitation for wide small wind market uptake is the high upfront investment entailed. Current market windmills between 1 and 2 kW entail a final cost for the user around â‚¬15,000 including the costs of the windmill and the auxiliary equipment and service required for the installation.
SEESWIND project aims to bring to the market a range of advanced featured wind generators that guarantee the highest performance standards in terms of noise (0dB), safety and power generation efficiency with all winds (2 - >11 m/s) with prices at the reach of anybody. In order to attain this goal, we will adjust the different modular components to maximize power outputs with the most common wind speeds (2-5m/s) and reduce production costs, as well as design and implement serial production. Thanks to these actions, SEESWIND will reduce the final overall cost faced by the end users by 40% compared to average market solutions.

Work performed

In this feasibility study we have selected from our range of 12 prototypes the three of them with the most demanded features (wind speeds 2-5 m/s) to focus upon them SEESWIND production and commercialization. We have then identified the technical improvements to the prototypes required to achieve the highest output/price ratio: adjustment of components to increase Cp from current 0.3 to 0.45, reduction of their unitary costs by 30-45% and adaption for serial production. We have also defined the serial production process that will allow reductions in unitary manufacturing timings and labour costs up to 60%. As a result, we have estimated final production costs and defined selling prices for the three models to be mainly commercialized, ranging from â‚¬5,395 to â‚¬6,500 including windmill and auxiliary equipment. This will result in a final cost for the end user of â‚¬7,895 â€“ â‚¬9,000 respectively after installation. Looking at commercialization, we have identified the target users and stakeholders we need to reach for SEESWIND commercialization, identified the main technical and commercial risks and defined the IPR strategy. This IPR strategy will be based on the lodging of product and process patents to protect the most critical innovations of our technology and production process. We have also undertaken a geographical market analysis and outlined our short term commercialization strategy with focus on the following countries and regions: Spain, France and Germany within the European Union, India in Asia and Argentina and several countries in South America. With this business plan we expect to reach around 3,179 units direct sales and 4,191 units licensed in five years providing Mâ‚¬ 7.76 million profits.

Final results

SEESWIND is an advance featured small wind technology that thanks to its vertical and modular configuration offers a range of solutions that cover all wind speeds (2m/s - >11m/s) and directions with maximum conversion efficiencies (Cp=0.45). SEESWIND is also silent (0 dBA at 10 m distance from the rotor), safe (twofold safety system: low blade rotational speeds (<45 km/h) and a decentralized hybrid magnetic-mechanic braking system providing zero breakdown risk). Thanks to serial production and the modular configuration facilitating installation, SEESWIND reduces the final investment cost for the user up to 40% (<â‚¬9,000 windmill & installation) compared to average market solutions. Starting the commercialization of our three SEESWIND models with highest market potential in 2019, by 2023 we expect to have achieved direct sales of 3,179 units in Europe and licensed the production and sale of 4,191units in India and Latin America in five years. This will provide benefits of Mâ‚¬ 7.76 resulting in a Return of Investment (ROI) rate of 2.5.
In the social sphere, as a cost effective technology providing self-sufficient off-grid electricity, SEESWIND will bring renewable energy to both European cities and remote, isolated or economically constrained communities with low energy access. This will contribute to alleviate energy poverty and promote distributed energy generation that will ultimately result in lower external energy dependence and vulnerability of citizens and societies.