Universal Solar Pump Controller
AeroVironment developed the Universal Solar Pump Controller (USPC) to facilitate access to water in remote areas such as ranches and villages, particularly in developing nations, where electrical infrastructure is not available. This versatile, high-performance, variable speed motor controller is used to convert solar energy to electricity to power pumping devices.
With a power conversion efficiency of 97% peak-power tracking, the USPC is most commonly used for water pumps, but has also been used for other solar motor driven applications, including oil, water purification (reverse osmosis), refrigeration/freezers, and other pumping applications.
Architectural Wind™
AeroVironment’s small, modular wind turbine solution is designed to provide an attractive, kinetic, clean energy generating solution that integrates easily into new and existing commercial buildings. Whereas solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems are typically located on top of roofs, out of sight, Architectural Wind™ provides a visible, compelling and architecturally enhancing statement of the building’s commitment to renewable energy.
Unlike other small wind turbine designs, Architectural Wind™ combines the functional with the aesthetic to create the first modular and architecturally enhancing small wind turbine system. AeroVironment’s patented design and innovative positioning method takes advantage of the natural acceleration in wind speed resulting from the building’s aerodynamic properties. This accelerated wind speed can increase the turbines’ electrical power generation by more than 50% compared to the power generation that would result from systems situated outside of the acceleration zone. The sleek and modular units also operate with less noise and vibration compared to conventional wind turbine designs.
Marine Energy Systems
AeroVironment has developed an innovative device for harnessing the ocean’s energy. Anchored to the sea floor and floating beneath the surface, its turbine generates clean energy as the float moves horizontally through the water, responding to pressure changes from passing waves. Unobtrusive, silent and reliable, it is an attractive alternative to other ocean-energy devices.
DREAM
AeroVironment’s trailer-mounted Deployable Renewable Energy Alternative Module (DREAM) is designed to provide off-grid electric power from multiple sources. DREAM incorporates three 1-kilowatt wind turbines, a battery pack yielding 3 kilowatts per hour, a diesel generator, and 63 solar cells. With all systems in operation, DREAM can provide 3 kilowatts of continuous power for 15 days.
