Types of Wind Turbines

There are two main types of wind turbines ( types of wind turbines:

 

Horizontal wind turbines

HORIZONTAL WIND GENERATOR - WIND GENERATORS

The horizontal axis wind turbines are similar to airplane engines
Horizontal wind turbines have blades like airplane propellers and usually have three blades. Larger horizontal axis turbines are as tall as 20-story buildings and have blades over 100 feet long. Taller turbines with longer blades produce more electricity. Almost all wind turbines used today are horizontal axis wind turbines.

The size of wind turbines varies widely. The length of the blades is the biggest factor in determining the amount of electricity that a wind turbine can produce. The small wind turbines that can power a house can have an electrical power of 10 kW (kW). The largest operating wind turbines have the capacity to generate electricity up to 10.000 kW and larger wind turbines are being developed. Large turbines are often grouped together to create wind farms or wind farms that supply electricity to grids.

The main advantages and disadvantages of horizontal axis wind turbines are the following:

Advantages of a horizontal axis wind turbine:

  • Due to the height of the wind turbine, it also takes advantage of higher wind speeds.
  • Easy assembly.
  • High aerodynamic coefficient.
  • Higher efficiency and better efficiency compared to vertical axis wind turbines.

Disadvantages of a horizontal axis wind turbine:

  • The operation of the wind turbine results in the production of noise.
  • Due to its size, it costs a lot to build and transport.
  • In order for the wind turbine to continuously exploit the wind, a rotation mechanism is needed to orient the blades in the direction of the wind.

Details: Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

Horizontal wind turbines have their axis parallel to the surface of the Earth and usually parallel to the direction of the wind. This type of wind turbine usually has 2 or 3 blades, unlike windmills which have many. A feature of these fins is that they have a high degree of aerodynamic efficiency. The main mechanical parts, as shown in the figure, are the rotor or impeller, the drive system (main axle and gearbox), the generator, the support tower on which the rotor is mounted, the braking system (the wind turbine must be reduces speed when exceeding a speed limit, so as not to be damaged) and the control, connection and storage system (batteries) of the generated electricity. Finally, there is an orientation system depending on the wind direction, which is done either with sensors or with a guide blade (something like a weather vane).

 

Vertical shaft wind turbines

VERTICAL AXIS GENERATOR - GENERATORS

Vertical shaft wind turbines look like tempera. Vertical shaft wind turbines have blades attached to the top and bottom of a vertical runner. The most common type of vertical shaft turbine - the Darrieus wind turbine, named after the French engineer Georges Darrieus, who patented the design in 1931 - looks like a giant double-beaten egg. Some versions of the vertical axis turbine are 100 feet high and 50 feet wide. Very few vertical axis wind turbines are used today because they do not perform as well as horizontal axis wind turbines.

Advantages of a vertical axis wind turbine:

  • Takes advantage of the wind from all directions.
  • The generator and gearbox are mounted on the base so it is easier to install and maintain these mechanical parts.
  • It produces less noise.
  • It can be placed in more places due to its size (such as in the city, on terraces, on highways).
  • Its construction is simpler and lower cost.

Disadvantages of a vertical axis wind turbine:

  • Low performance.
  • High starting torque which means low rotational speed.
  • Due to its small size it can not take advantage of high speed winds.
  • There is difficulty in maintenance on some mechanical parts, for example changing roller bearings.

The modern vertical axis wind turbines developed are of the Savonius and Darrieus type. The difference between the two apart from their design is that Savonius starts more easily and is not as efficient while Darrieus does not start so easily but is very efficient. That's why wind turbines have been built that are a combination of both types, so that with Savonius we have an easy start and with Darrieus the rest we mentioned above. There are also many vertical shaft wind turbines, but they are all based on the logic of Savonius and Darrieus simply making changes to their design.

All the types of wind turbines that you will need for your installation and much more, you will find them at the best prices on the market at eshops.gr.

 

Wind turbines and types of wind turbines everything you want to know,

Wind turbines and types of wind turbines everything you want to know,

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of wind turbine? Which is the most suitable for your installation?

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