Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Upon the initiative of the regional power utility in Schwaben,
Ulrich Hütter in 1952, for the first time, tested parallel grid operation,
and with success. The WE-10 marked the beginnings of pro-
fessional use of wind energy. With this system, Hütter had created
a perfect reference for his work. Whoever was interested in the use
of wind could not bypass the aircraft designer from Stuttgart.
17.4
The 100 kW Challenge
The academic wind power association Studiengesellschaft Wind-
kraft had been set up in December 1949 upon the initiative of the
regional commercial office in Stuttgart. This association contracted
the pioneer in October 1953 for the design of a wind turbine with
at that time very daring dimensions: it was meant to deliver 100
kW. Hütter had been the winner of a design competition over his
competitor Richard Bauer. Bauer, also a learned aircraft designer,
opted for the single-blade rotor as it could realise the highest
speeds. Practical implementation however failed due to problems
with control and aerodynamic stability.
Hütter had more trumps in hands with his design and his
experience. He opted for a 2-blade wind turbine with a teetering
hub. This hub was necessary as in the normal height profile of wind
on a 2-blade system, the upper blade takes in more flow than the
lower one. Hence the loads afecting the rotor have to be absorbed
either through stability of the blades or by a hub giving in. Hütter
chose the second version in order not to have to give up his
lightweight construction principle.
The Allgaier Company was not capable of financing the
development of the 100 kW system, which the Studiengesellschaft
preferred. Therefore a development joint venture was set-
up for the purpose in July 1954 under the name Windkraft
Entwicklungsgemeinschaft (WEG). The venture united seven public
energy suppliers and five companies from the electro-mechanical
industry and fluid-mechanical segment. This proves the interest the
industry had in wind energy in these days.
As an aircraft expert Hütter used his comprehensive knowledge
of aerodynamic blade profiles. For the mechanical part, his team
relied on proven systems and found the support of acknowledged
manufacturers. The list of suppliers reads like the “who is who” of
the famous mechanical industry of South Germany: Voith Company
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