71
An Economical Wind-Powered Standalone Icemaking System--Yankee Environmental Systems, Inc., 101 Industrial Blvd, Turners Falls, MA 01376-1608; 413-863-0200
Dr. William Q. Jeffries, Principal Investigator
Ms. Cynthia A. Cote, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82716
Amount: $750,000
Wind-powered, ice-making systems hold the promise of producing inexpensive ice for use in packing fish and other foods in less developed areas of the world and thereby creating sustainable economical development. The variable nature of wind power requires an icemaking system that will operate reliably under a wide range of speeds and loads and still produce good quality ice. Reliable operation demands a hermetically sealed refrigeration system that will maximize ice production from the wind. Modifications to the refrigeration circuit of conventional and novel icemaking systems will be combined with a power electronic drive to operate the wind turbine at maximum power. In Phase I, modeling work showed that a power electronic converter would allow additional energy capture. Extensive tests on a full sized rotating-disk icemaker confirmed that an electronically controlled expansion valve increases ice yield and efficiency at low speeds. Measurements also indicated potential for substantial improvements in efficiency by modifying the refrigeration system. Phase II will consist of implementing the modifications to the icemaker to improve efficiency and building the power electronic drive. A complete prototype system will be built and tested on a hardware wind turbine simulator and then operated with a full sized wind turbine.
Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by he awardee: The wind-powered icemaker is designed for the export market at coastal locations where fishing is practiced and in areas that produce poultry and produce. High quality ice greatly raises the value of foodstuff and opens up distant markets that are both larger and more lucrative. This brings direct economic benefit to the local economy and demonstrates sustainable development.