Operational Test Starts on Straight-Wing Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Generator System

NIPPI Corporation, a subsidiary of Kawasaki, will start practical operational tests on the straight-wing vertical axis shipboard wind turbine (VAWT) generator system that has been developed jointly with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line). The system, manufactured by NIPPI, has been loaded in NYK Line’s new car carrier "Andromeda Leader".

 The main features of the VAWT generator system are as follows

1)	Driven by a VAWT measuring 4m in diameter and 4.5m tall, the system has a power generation capacity of 30kW in a wind velocity of 25m/s. This is one of the world's largest power generation devices of its kind presently in service.
2)	This system has a built-in safety control mechanism against rolling and pitching of a ship’s hull, assuring uninterrupted and safe onboard operation. This mechanism has been developed for the first time in the world and NIPPI and NYK Line have filed for a joint patent.
3)	Electric power generated by this system is used to illuminate the cargo storage area, and partly shares the power system with the ship’s diesel generator.
4)	System Advantages  — Unlike a propeller system, the system has no need for a mechanism to make it face the wind due to the non-directivity quality of wind.  — The wing generates lower noise than a propeller model (60dB (A) or less during a 12m/s wind at 50m from the unit according to NIPPI’s test results).  — Maintenance is easily conducted as the generator can be installed underneath the deck.