Heason Technology delivers EtherCAT motion solution for Swift TG’s novel WindSurf vertical axis wind turbine
Swift TG Energy Scotland, the renewables technology division of the Swift TG Group, has developed an innovative active-pitch Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) called WindSurf – where multi-axis EtherCAT motion control executes CFD derived algorithms to dynamically position aerofoil blades in real-time – offering increased efficiency and operability over similar technologies, as well as challenging the location siting limitations of the Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT).
Heason Technology, the leading motion systems designer and manufacturer, has worked closely with STGES’s engineers from the initial WindSurf design concept and through the project’s development stages – providing prototype systems and application support for a tightly synchronised six-axis EtherCAT system that manages all of the motion control, maths functions and I/O interfacing as a single stand-alone solution.
The basics for the WindSurf VAWT comprises five individual 6 metre high vertical aerofoils that are arranged and supported on upper and lower “spider arms” that drive the generator. [Read more…] about Pioneering renewable energy project benefits from precision motion control
