Klipheuwel (B 15)

Name: Klipheuwel

Google count: 49,700 for Klipheuwel with Safesearch on
Date: 25 january 2009

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In line with global trends towards increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the overall primary energy mix, Eskom is at the forefront in the development of economical, efficient and safe methods of using renewable energy. Eskom is committed to protecting the environment and is continually seeking new and innovative energy solutions.

Recognising that coal, gas and oil are finite resources, Eskom embarked upon a research programme, managed by the research department of its Resources and Strategy Division, to investigate South Africa’s sources of renewable energy.

Klipheuwel Windfarm Research Facility
In 2002/03, Eskom erected three wind turbines at an experimental wind energy farm at Klipheuwel on the West Coast near Cape Town. Research on the potential of wind energy as an electricity generating option has been carried out as well as an evaluation of different wind-based technologies and their economic viability.

Maintenance and operating functions are carried out by Peaking Generation (Eskom Generation Division).

Technical information
The three turbines selected for the Klipheuwel research station are:

Type Rating Commissioned Rotor
diameter Blade length Hub
height
Vestas V47 660kW August 2002 47m 23m 40m
Vestas V66 1 750kW December 2002 66m 32m 60m
Jeumont J48 750kW February 2003 48m 23m 46m

The Danish Vestas units incorporate conventional induction generators with gearboxes, whereas the French Jeumont unit has a permanent magnet synchronous generator without a gearbox.

Nominal wind speeds required for full power operation vary between about 47 and 57 km/hour, with shutdown mechanisms operating at 90km/h. They can start generating at between 11 to 15 km/hour.

These models were selected so that Eskom could demonstrate and assess their different mechanical and electrical performances.

Research is also being carried out on battery storage technology. Wind is an erratic resource which is not always available when most needed. Current time of use figures show a 16% usage during peak periods, 40% at standard times and 44% during off peak periods.

Site selection
Land availability, accessibility and existing grid infrastructures are limiting factors in the construction of wind farms. Wind power potential is best along the coastline.

Twenty potential sites were originally identified and the Klipheuwel site chosen because of acceptable wind speeds, its proximity to Cape Town for research and demonstration purposes and an existing electricity distribution infrastructure.


Environment
The site forms part of a farm in a rural, agricultural area. The area is under wheat cultivation and is used as cattle grazing after the harvest. A small ephemeral pan, which dries up in summer, provides a seasonal feeding habitat for certain birds and a breeding habitat for the endemic frog.

The CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) conducted an independent Environmental Impact Assessment of the site.

An Environmental Management Plan, based on ISO14001 standards, has been compiled for the construction, operation and de-commissioning phases of the project. This includes:

• ensuring activities of work personnel and the public are kept within designated areas
• monitoring impact of the operating turbines on bird species in terms of fatalities and breeding habits
• monitoring noise produced and effects on the local community
• recording and assessing complaints from the public

Advantages and disadvantages of wind power

Advantages:
• wind is a sustainable resource.
• wind, as a primary energy source, is free
• technology currently being developed may in future allow for the energy to be stored for use when required, for example at peak periods
• wind is a clean form of energy without emissions or waste products
• there are growing numbers of energy users prepared to pay for the more expensive electricity generated from renewable sources

Disadvantages:
• capital costs (construction) are high and the production cost per kWh is higher than the cheap electricity currently produced by Eskom’s coal fired power stations.
• units are of small capacity (25 to 2 000kW) and it would take hundreds of wind turbines to replace a single thermal unit (currently ranging between 200-600MW).
• wind resources are erratic and can be used only at certain speeds.
• while it is a clean source of energy, environmental impacts can include noise, visual pollution as well as affecting birdlife.

Facts and figures
The Klipheuwel Windfarm has a total capacity of 3,16MW, and is expected to generate at a load factor of 20%-30%

• The three units have been given Khoisan names: Khoebaha Sousa (father of the nation at the time of transformation), Kamisoa (the wind goddess) and Krotoa (one who overcomes adversity)
• Wind generators have an expected lifetime of at least 20 years
• The turbines can withstand wind speeds of between 200-250 km/h. (The highest wind speed measured on the Klipheuwel site is 120km/h)
• A small meteorological station is installed on top of each turbine, as well as an aircraft warning light.
• It is estimated that 1 000MW of wind power is practically available between Langebaan and Springbok



Believe it or not!

The largest Klipheuwel wind turbine, the Vestas V66 has:
• the capacity to supply about 200 first world homes, or as many as 1000 in deep rural areas
• a blade length of 33m - longer than the wing of a Jumbo jet aeroplane
• a tower the height of a 20 storey building
• blade tips that turn at almost 300km/hour at full speed
• a rotor/propeller that weighs 23 tons – more than a fully loaded double decker bus
• 500 tons of concrete as a foundation

References
• SABRE-Gen (South African Bulk Renewable Energy Generation) initiated by Eskom in 1998, is a programme aimed at assessing and demonstrating the viability of renewable energy technologies for large scale power generation in South Africa. Visit the website at www.sabregen.co.za
• Generation Fact Sheet: Renewable Sources of Primary Energy. Website www.eskom.co.za (Go to: About Eskom  Company information  Facts and Figures)

Contact details and viewing opportunities
• Information about Klipheuwel Windfarm and visits to the site can be arranged by contacting Palmiet Visitors Centre – 021 8592690
• The wind turbines are located in the Western Cape at Klipheuwel. The site can be approached via the R302 or R304 from the Philadelphia, Durbanville or Stellenbosch directions. The units are clearly visible from the perimeter fence and information boards have been provided.





Produced by: Generation Communication
GFS 0032 Revision 3 (July 2006)

For more information on Eskom related topics see the Eskom website (www.eskom.co.za).
Select the Publications tab and List of Fact Sheets.

http://www.eskom.co.za/content/RW%200002KliphWindfRev3.doc

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