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Engineers at NASA’S Ames Research Center are beginning a process of testing a wind turbine in the world's largest wind tunnel. They are trying to learn how to design and operate these machines more efficiently. This test is about a 3-week process. Ames wind tunnel is 80-by-120 feet. This wind tunnel is mostly used for figuring out low and medium speed aerodynamic features of helicopters (NASA NEWS).
The wind turbine made for this research is designed to measure the structural loads and aerodynamics response of the machine's blade/wing. The turbine is made up of lightweight steel carbon-fiber blades measuring 33ft in diameter. This machine was calculated to weigh around 15,000 pounds. This time of turbine is used to generate electricity for commercial uses. During the test the turbine will be mounted on a 40-foot stand. It will be operated at a constant speed with its rotor turned left or right at several different angles and wind speeds. Ames wind tunnel is capable of producing up to 115mph winds. The turbine has been tested and operated outdoors in wind conditions up to 70 mph. It has also been locked in position in 145mph winds (NASA NEWS).
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