Honeycomb-like Wind Power Generator in Okayama

In Otomeyama Park in the town of Kagamino-cho, Okayama Prefecture (southern Japan), a wind power generating system that looks like a honeycomb has been running since its completion in October 2000.<br><br>Designed by Norio Otomo (D. Eng.) and head of the research center of Natural Energy Research Center in Hokkaido Co., Ltd., this system consists of 22 small wooden fans on a honeycomb-like arrangement that acts as a unique multi-component power generation system. The entire system stands 20 meters high and weighs 20 tons. Each fan generates 1 kilowatt, giving a total rated output of 22 kilowatts.<br><br>The fans can generate electricity efficiently even in light winds and operate with little wind noise. Having a direction controller, these fans automatically spin in the direction of wind. In typhoons and stormy weather, they turn to avoid the wind. As the fans run independently, the system has low risk of all generators breaking down at the same time, a feature that ensures a stable supply of power.<br><br>In disasters and other emergencies, the generated electricity will be used as backup power for the park, which is a designated evacuation site. During normal operations, the power is used for lighting and to drive the direction controller. Yamada Bee Farm, based in the same town, constructed this system and donated it to the town as a symbol of creativity and wisdom for coexistence of humans and nature.<br><br>




Posted: 2003/09/27 11:51:50 AM
Japanese version