Domestic wind turbine trial results published
Written by Linda Marson

The Energy Saving Trust have published the results of their domestic-scale wind turbine field trials. Named 'Location Location Location', the over-riding theme throughout the report is the location of the wind turbine is critical to how well it performs, with free-standing turbines in remote locations producing the best performance, and those attached to dwellings in urban and suburban areas the least effective.

The EST also noted that the Government’s Numerical Objective Analysis Boundary Layer (NOABL) predicted windspeed map significantly over-estimated wind speeds, particularly in urban locations, partly due to the fact that buildings and other obstructions were not taken into consideration. The Carbon Trust's windspeed map was found to be the most accurate.

In addition, power curve graphs calculated by manufacturers to indicate performance used different parameters, and it was therefore difficult to compare the performance of different turbines. In an effort to address this issue, the Microgeneration Certification Scheme has developed standards which manufacturers will be required to adhere to when publishing power curves. This should be in place by the end of 2009.

The EST believe there is a good market potential for 455,650 small-scale domestic wind turbines in the UK, mostly for free-standing turbines in rural locations.

The entire report can be downloaded from the Energy Saving Trust's website.