Types-Of-Wind-Turbines

Types of Wind Turbines and Everything You Need To Know

The wind is a very good source of nature. It is generated when the sun heats the earth. As the wind is a blessing in disguise when you will be roasting in scorching heat in the middle of summer, it can also be used for our beneficial purpose. The purpose is the invention of a wind turbine.

The turbine takes wind energy and converts it into electrical energy. Then it can be used for any usage regarding electrical purpose. Along with that, using a wind turbine means you are making the environment greener than before.

The reason is that the turbine releases zero toxic gases in the atmosphere and is considered environmentally friendly. You never know, it can turn out to be your best friend in times of need.

Basically, there are 2 types of wind turbines. They are horizontal axis and vertical axis turbines. The size and length vary according to various requirements. Some blades are small while some are taller than a tree. As technologies are upgrading, so does the modernization of the turbines.

This article will cover all of the information about the type of wind turbines. Check it out.

1. Horizontal Axis

This kind of turbine can be seen mainly in the offshore area. The blades are massive and very renowned all over the world. The turbine consists of 3 blades commonly, and people prefer to use this limited number of blades on their wind system. The blades, shaft and generator are placed on top of the tower.

Accordingly, the tower is very high, and this is done to get the maximum amount of wind energy to produce maximum electricity. The blades are fixed in a way that it faces the wind while the shaft is kept parallel to the ground. When the wind hits the blades, it starts to rotate.

The blade is connected to the shaft which is also connected to a gear. The gear helps to turn the generator on and keeps it running as long as the blade rotates. As the generator starts to produce electricity, it sends the electricity quickly to the power grid. In this way, the cycle goes on.

Along with this working process, the turbine is constructed in a very strategic way. Inside the Head / Nacelle of the turbine, the anemometer, wind vane and controller are present. Their role is very important in the working process of the turbine. They mainly read the speed and the direction of the incoming wind.

If the wind changes its direction out of the blue, the motor quickly turns the Nacelle so that the blades are in alignment with the direction of the wind. The brake in the turbine is also important. If the wind speed is very dangerous, the brake reduces the shaft speed to secure the turbine from not getting damaged.

So, this shows that this man made-turbine is very beneficial for any purpose.

Benefits

  • The blades are installed in a way that it is in alignment with the centre of gravity which helps in maintaining the turbine stability.
  • The brake plays a vital role in saving the turbine from getting damaged by slowing down the shaft speed so that the blade doesn’t rotate uncontrollably.
  • As it is made in a very taller form, wind energy is huge. So it helps in producing good amount of electrical power.
  • This can be installed in offshore areas or even in a land where the roads are uneven.
  • This can be built in the forest but the installation should be done in a way that the turbine is above the tree line.
  • It can start automatically without any manual involvement.

Some Drawbacks

  • The installation cost is huge as the turbine comes with various expensive components.
  • It doesn’t work very well in the near ground area.
  • Maintenance sometimes gets tough to accomplish.

2. Vertical Axis

This kind of turbine is getting popular day by day. People like to call this turbine as egg beaters because they somehow look like that. Sounds funny but their work is very eye catching like the horizontal one. The blades are connected to the top and bottom of a rotor that is vertical. The shafts are also connected vertically towards the ground.

Not only these 2 components but the whole turbine is installed in a way that is connected closer to the ground. In the case of the horizontal one, everything is placed on top of the tower as already mentioned. The vertical one is considered to be lighter so it is very much acceptable in town or domestic areas.

However, vertical axis turbines are also of 2 types, lift and drag based. In terms of efficiency, lift based is considered to be the best choice. Other than that, people still prefer to use the horizontal axis turbine as it comes with multiple benefits and provides successful results all over the world.

Benefits

  • Maintenance is easier as all of the equipment including the turbine is nearer to the ground.
  • Installation cost is considerably low as well as the transportation cost of the equipment.
  • Can be installed in hills, steep cliffs, etc.

Some Drawbacks

  • Blades spin in the back towards the wind and this causes drag.
  • The efficiency is low as the electricity generation is lower than the horizontal axis turbine.
  • Performs very well in lower wind.
  • The starting torque is considerably low so while it starts turning, energy is required.

Conclusion

These are the key information about the types of wind turbines that are being used all over the world. The usage of the turbines is constantly increasing on a daily basis, and in the nearer future you will be able to see everyone is reaping the benefits from nature.

This is a clean and natural process, and it is highly recommended to be used by people whether the installation needs to be done at home, farm, etc.

Have a good day and stay safe!

  • Updated August 3, 2019
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