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The Primary Components In A
Wind Turbine Power Generator
Home-and-garden :: Saving-energy :: Renewable-energies :: Wind-energy
There are nine turbine components and seven design elements that make up the wind power generation system:
Nine Turbine Components:
Hub
Blades
Main Shaft
Gear-Box Transmission
Brake
High-Speed Shaft
Generator
Housing
Tower
Seven Turbine Design Elements:
Rotor - The rotor is comprised of the hub and the blades, and it is the component that actually collects the energy from the wind. The blades on the rotor can be made of wood, fiberglass or metal. There are two or more blades on the rotor. The blades can be configured for either a horizontal or vertical rotation, which rotate about the axis of the main shaft. The rotation speed of the blades is determined by the wind speed and the shape of the blades.
Drag Design - All blade designs operate according to the the principles of drag or lift. Blades that utilize a drag design utilizes the wind to push the blades from its path. Dutch windmills and farm windmills generally utilize the drag design. These windmills are characterized by slower rotational speeds and high torque capabilities.
Lift Design - Much like an airplane wing, the lift blade design uses wind speed and pressure differentials between the upper- and lower-blade surfaces to "lift" the "wing" or blade. The pressure on the lower-blade surface has more pressure, so it "lifts" the blade. When the blades are attached to the central axis of the main shaft in the wind turbine, the "lift" is converted into rotational motion. A wind turbine that utilizes lift-powered blades has a higher rotational speed, which makes them better suited to wind power generation.
Tip Speed Ratio - The tip speed ratio is the ratio of the rotational speed of the blade compared to the wind speed. The larger the ratio, the faster the spin will be. Lift-design blades generally have a tip speed ratio of up to ten, while the drag design usually operates at a tip speed ratio of one. Since electical generation requires a higher rotational speed, the lift-design offers the most efficient wind turbine design. Most turbines that employ lift-design blades will utilize no more than two or three blades in their configuration. The reason is that the lift-design creates turbulence. In order to prevent the turbulence from disrupting the natural rotation of the rotor, there must be sufficient distance between the blades to ensure that the next blade does not meet the turbulence.
Generators - Generators consist of a coils of wire (frequently copper) that are rotated through a magnetic field to generate power. This power can be produced in either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) and can be generated at varying levels of output power ratings. A generator's output rating depends heavily on the length of the blades, since the length of the blade can affect the amount of electricity that will be generated.
AC generators are generally equipped with mechanisms to produce the correct voltage (120 or 240 V) with constant frequency (60 cycles) of electricity, even if the wind speed is fluctuating widly.
DC generators are generally used to charge batteries that will be used for operating DC appliances and machinery. DC generators can also be used to produce AC electricity, so long as it employs the use of an inverter, which converts DC to AC power.
Transmission - The revolutions per minute (rpm) of a wind turbine rotor can spin at between 40-400 rpm. But, most generators will require 1200-1800 rpm's. That is where the gear-box transmission comes into play. The transmission steps up the rotation to a level required for efficient electricity production.
Some DC generators utilize a direct link between the rotor and generator and are known as direct drive systems. The direct drive system lowers maintenance requirements, but it also lowers the power-generating capability of the unit. If you set up a direct drive system, be forewarned that you will need to employ a larger generator to deliver the same power as a smaller unit that employs the gear-box transmission.
Towers - While the tower is required to support to wind turbine mechanisms, it is also needed to lift the turbine high enough where its blades do not interfere with ground activities. It is also used to lift the turbine to a height which permits better electricity generation that can be acquired utilizing the stronger winds at higher elevations. Maximum tower heights are only restricted by zoning restrictions, if they apply in your case. The average wind turbine is mounted at a height of 40 meters (130 feet) to 70 meters (230 feet).
Tower installers will be able to recommend the best type of tower to lift your wind turbine into the sky. Your tower must have enough strength to support the wind turbine, and to sustain vibrations and wind loading. Your tower must also be able to withstand the weather conditions for the lifetime of your wind turbine.
The cost of tower installation will vary widely as a function of the tower's design and height. Some turbine manufactuers will sell the wind turbine with a standard tower design, but most often, manufacturers will sell the tower separately since each tower design will be better suited to different circumstances on the ground.
As with a car or any appliance, maintenance is key to the long-life of your wind turbine. With a regular maintenance schedule, you should be able to expect your wind power generating system to continue to produce power for twenty to thirty years.
It is not uncommon for wind turbines to experience some minor mechanical problems within the first few weeks after you set up your turbine, but the manufacturer will generally take care of that initial repair work under their warranty. This initial repair work is nearly unavoidable with the high-level of complexity that is involved with the proper operation of your turbine.
Many turbine manufacturers or dealers can provide your turbine maintenance care under contract. The manufacturer will suggest a recommended maintenance schedule. Do follow their recommendations. A wind power generation system should also be inspected once a year.
Wind turbines are subject to extreme physical forces. The tips of the wind turbine blades can reach speeds of up to 300 mph. Due to this extreme speed, impacts with hail, dirt and even insects can damage the leading edge of your blades. Ball bearings that support the rotor and the other moving parts are also subject to normal wear and tear. The lifetime of the ball bearings will depend on the wind conditions at your location and the level of maintenance care given to your equipment.
Routine maintenance could include greasing or replacing the ball bearings, inspecting the condition of the blades, changing the transmission fluid, checking the tower connections, checking electrical connections, and checking the condition of the insulation on the wiring.
Safety, the long-life of your equipment, and an extended return on your investment are the three most important reasons to take good care of your wind power generation equipment.
Home-and-garden :: Saving-energy :: Renewable-energies :: Wind-energy
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