Gallery: Boulder Wind Power's new generator designs

UNITED STATES: Boulder Wind Power is in the midst a dramatic change of direction, with the release of a number of different designs for generators. Here are some images of the generators within its range.

by Patrick Smith 11 July 2014

  • Boulder is currently testing its low speed prototype at its R&D facilities

    Boulder is currently testing its low speed prototype at its R&D facilities

  • The generator is yet to be picked up by a commercial partner

    The generator is yet to be picked up by a commercial partner

  • Boulder has now diversified with the design for a medium-speed generator

    Boulder has now diversified with the design for a medium-speed generator

  • It has also developed an ultra-low speed turbine design

    It has also developed an ultra-low speed turbine design

  • An image of its modified low-speed generator has also been released

    An image of its modified low-speed generator has also been released

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Boulder made its name with a design for a radically different direct-drive generator that relies on a printed circuit board stator and sits outside the turbine's nacelle. However, it has now released an array of new products, including a geared generator.

The medium-speed geared turbine that can fit within existing nacelles. But the new generator is not totally abandoning Boulder's innovative direction. It also features a printed circuit board stator which means it has no iron and as such no attractive forces between stator and rotor, meaning it can be made much lighter than other generators.

As well as moving into medium-speed generators, the company has also taken a step in the other direction, with the design of an ultra-low speed generator. This would be suited to sites that have very-low-wind regimes.