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Abstract:

This paper describes the design of a test site for small-scale (<5kW), roof-mounted wind turbines, and the topology used to connect several wind turbines to the grid. A case study is presented, in which the feasibility of small roof-mounted turbines, installed on the roof of the ESAT building (Leuven), is investigated. The optimal wind turbine locations in this particular environment are first determined using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) calculations. Then, experimental wind measurement results (wind speed, wind direction) are discussed, obtained with a 3D ultrasonic anemometer at the optimal location identified by the CFD calculations. The paper reports on the selection of two small-scale wind turbines, taking the collected wind data into account. Finally, the aggregation of the wind turbines in a larger grid-connected test setup (with one 5kWp PV system already installed) is described.