Many people have been asking me for updates on the V-LIM wind turbine and the Western Oregon Wind (WOW) project. After trying for almost two years to build the prototype in Coos County late in April it became apparent the project would have to be moved to Portland. The move was necessary in order to complete the LIM within a reasonable time period, stay within some semblance of a budget and maintain tolerances and achieve the best possible structural integrity.
To date every part fabricated in Coos County had to be replaced for one reason or another. Ceramic coatings applied to the stator and coils failed causing multiple shorts and every coil has been rewound. The axle has been redesigned and remade, bearings replaced, the support yoke completely reconfigured for strength and a proper base built.
All this has tripled the original cost projections and put Rogue River Wind, Ltd almost one year behind schedule.
Despite these costly setbacks the first spin tests for the LIM and the direct drive DC generator designed with the assistance of Portland State University and Dr Gerald Sheblé will take place in about ten days. Dr Sheblé, now living and working for the University of Portugal in Porto, is in the US to preside over the testing.
Also assisting with the electrical engineering and the incorporation of a unique new capacitive inverter grid intertie circuit allowing the LIM to ‘plug and play’ is Dr Stanley Marquiss. Dr Marquiss is the inventor of the ducted fan wind turbine from which much of the patentable aerodynamic features of the V-LIM evolved.
The WOW project did not pass the House Energy and Water subcommittee, however, Congressman DeFazio has encouraged us to pursue the matter in the Senate. If the Senate includes funding for the project in its annual Energy funding bill, Mr. DeFazio will support the mark when the bill is conferenced by the House and Senate.
WOW can still be accomplished but without the federal appropriation must rely upon tax credits and incentives to finance the project and will require private not public ownership of the project. Rogue River Wind is already heavily committed to developing similar projects with partners in other states precluding any private efforts in Coos County at this time.
