Operating experience of the Fair Isle wind turbine

The paper describes the combined wind-turbine and diesel generation scheme installed on Fair Isle in June 1982. The reasons for the choice of the system in use and the preferred mode of operation are given. The main features of the wind turbine and its control system are described in some detail. Some of the problems encountered in service are described as well as the solutions adopted. Three years of system operation are reported and the contribution of community participation in the successful operation of the scheme is emphasised. In addition to extended hours of supply at lower cost, by producing some 90% of the energy requirement from the wind turbine, diesel fuel consumption has been reduced by two thirds and extra savings for the community are reflected in a reduction of coal and heating oil imports by 40% and 34%, respectively.