Welcome to the Small-Scale Wind Turbine Club Website
Welcome to the Small-Scale Wind Turbine Club Website
Demand for an increase in energy generated from renewable sources has led to the development of small-scale wind turbines that can be installed at point of use. However, there are many challenges faced by this growing sector. In response to these, NEL has established a club to address issues associated with the development, testing, performance verification and implementation of small wind energy systems.
Club Membership
A major benefit of Club membership is access to two key resources for the development of wind turbine technology:
- The Myres Hill Test Facility
- The Scottish Enterprise Energy Technology Centre
Other benefits of Club membership include:
- Access to NEL’s engineering and consultancy services at preferential rates
- Opportunities to participate in collaborative R&D projects
- Creation of a forum for addressing technical, regulatory and training issues
- Participation in supply chain networking events
Myres Hill Test Facility
The Myres Hill wind turbine test site is available for the installation and trial of members’ small wind turbines and associated equipment. This site has clean wind flow conditions and offers excellent exposure to the prevailing south westerly winds which have an annual mean wind speed of 7.7 m/s at 10 m elevation. Two 50 m-high met masts are available for mounting instrumentation. Three concrete hard standings, two cast iron base plates and several types of building are available.
Aerial view of the facilities at Myres Hill
Energy Technology Centre
Located on the Scottish Enterprise Technology Park in East Kilbride, the ETC is available for the experimental development of wind turbines and associated components.
Energy Technology Centre, Scottish Enterprise Technology Park, East Kilbride
The building provides two types of structure for addressing issues of embedded wind power generation:
- Brick structure with flat concrete roof
- Brick structure (timber framed) with roof truss/steel panelled pitched roof
Both test sites can be accessed directly by Club members’ own staff or, alternatively, work can be carried out using NEL staff.
Local data records maintained at these test facilities include:
- Wind speed and direction
- Ambient pressure and temperature
About NEL
NEL is a leading international technology services organisation offering a comprehensive engineering resource for renewable energy developments.
Professional engineering staff, analytical software, design capability and significant test facilities support NEL’s energy clients with a complete technology service.
To access most of the information in the Club you must be a member. To join the club please click here or contact us for more information.