Platform 2: Renewable Enery

It is our ultimate goal at the University of Ottawa to build a reliable medium size (50-100 kW) wind turbine system based on solid concepts and design, computer simulation, experimental and field tests. Basing on the general dual-rotor concepts, our electrical and mechanical student developed two projects that won two top awards in 2010: the people’s choice award for Technology Venture Challenge: http://techvc.org ; and the best Ontario Power Authority (OPA) energy conservation project. Basing on the proven concepts, we are turning this project into a research and development platform that focuses on optimization of performance.

Project 3b: Friction Drive Transmission System

Friction drive is a mechanical device that utilizes friction force to transmit torque and power through frictional rolling and/or sliding contact between two mating surfaces. Friction drive holds desired performance attributes that relate to its unique operating principles. These features include high mechanical efficiency, little or no backlash, low noise and vibration and high-speed capability. The power density of a friction drive can be very high when operated at elevated speeds. These performance features along with its inherent manufacturing simplicity, make friction drives suitable choices for a variety of applications including wind generators.