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Data logger for the 34-meter vertical axis wind turbine test bed

Ralph, Mark E.

This report discusses the purpose and requirements that were established for the data logger at the 34-m diameter, research- oriented vertical axis wind turbine, the Test Bed, which Sandia National Laboratories built at Bushland, Texas. The data logger is a minicomputer-based system that collects data from 35 channels, displays the collected data, and records them on a hard disc. Both the hardware and software that make up the data logger are also described, and the operator's instructions and the operating system commands and procedure files are appended. The data logger is used to obtain long-term data to characterize the wind at the site of the turbine, record the performance data of the control system, obtain a continuous record of events at the test sire, consolidate displays for the test engineer, and provide a display of current information for visitors to the site. 7 refs., 3 figs., 4 tabs.