FXSTD – Alternative Energy Center

By: Abhishek Agarwal
Wind power is conversion of energy from the wind to be used productively in many ways. There are many machines, wind turbines, which transform the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy by converting it. The mechanical energy then works with the kinetic energy so that it becomes balanced into a mechanical system. Once this mechanical energy is turned into electricity this system is then known as a wind turbine.

Horizontal Axis and Vertical Axis are the two different types of wind turbines that can be found. The Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine is the more popular of the two and features a main rotor shaft and a generator which are located at the top of the turbine. There is a gearbox attached to most of these turbines, so that more electricity can be generated by the quicker turning of the blades. The turbine are tall towers with blades which create turbulence for power, and turn either upwards or downwards. In high winds, upward blades can crack and breakdown as they are not able to withstand these conditions for too long. Downward blades are in line and face the wind so they last longer. They are even durable against the high winds so do not break which helps to keep down the cost.

The Different Types of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

Windmills - They usually consist of four or more blades that are normally short. There are some that are made up of wood and were first used to grind up grain. Winds rotate the mechanism of the blades which turned a mill that the grains ran through so that it was crushed.

Rural Windmills - These originated from Australia and were later built all over the U.S.A. Farmers found these windmills useful in pumping water into the fields and electricity for the barns. There are several blades on this type of windmill, which are still in use today and can be seen in the fields. So that electricity could be carried for lighting or even a radio, they were constructed using metal.

Modern Turbines - These are used today and what we see standing in our fields. The features are of three blades which become pointed towards the ends. The reasons for this unusual shape is after trials and testing, they proved to be the strongest for exceeding up to 6 times more wind velocity, which allowed for high efficiency and was more reliable.

This sort of wind turbine has many advantages including being bendable, durable, it has stability, is strong and also tall. On the other end, the disadvantages are that they are not as in huge demand, they are unable to operate if they are too close to the ground, installing them is a difficult job as well as transporting them by sea. There are also concerns that they can affect radar, and they can suffer from strutual damage during high storms and with wear and tear.

So as you can see, there are good and bad points to buying and installing these types of turbines. They do work so whether you choose to have one or several if you own a field is up to you. They are good to help generate electricity and many other things that we would might well have to do without.