How Wind Turbine Work : Wind is created when the sun unevenly heats the earth’s surface. Wind turbines capture the wind in their blades (or rotor) and then convert the wind energy to rotational or mechanical energy. The rotor drives an attached shaft and a gearbox and generator to produce electrical energy. Together the gearbox and generator are called the drive train. The wind turbine includes a tower that supports the rotor, drive train, and other equipment such as the controls, electrical cables, and interconnection hardware. Each turbine is controlled by a computer. In large projects with multiple wind turbines, each turbine computer is connected to a central computer where plant operators can remotely monitor the turbines. Each turbine has a wind vane that sends a signal to the computer, which then turns the turbine directly into the wind. Wind turbines are designed with a cut-in speed, or wind speed, at which it begins to produce power, and a cut-out speed, or the wind speed at which the turbine will be shutdown to prevent the drive train from being damaged. Cut-in speeds are typically seven to nine mph. Maximum electric generation occurs at speeds of 30-35 miles per hour (mph). As wind speeds increase beyond 30-35 mph, the generator maintains their maximum electrical generations until wind speeds reach 55-65 mph and the turbine cuts-out. When the cut-out wind speed is reached, the turbine automatically stops production and is revolved from the wind to protect the drive train from mechanical damage. As high winds subside, the computer automatically revolves the turbine back into the wind and the unit returns to operation. What are the benefits of wind Wind energy is inexhaustible and non-polluting. It is also compatible with mixed land use such as grazing or agriculture. Wind energy projects are modular and the development and construction process is relatively fast when compared to bringing a new coal or nuclear plant on line. Power Curve 2.0 MW (For an air density of 1.225KG/M3) Power curve calculation based on DU (Delft University) and FFAW3 airfoils. Calculation parameters: 50 Hz grid frequency; tip angle pitch regulated; 10% turbulence intensity and a variable rotor speed ranging from 9.0-19.0 rpm. Type of Wind Turbine: Modern wind turbines fall into two basic groups, the horizontal-axis variety and the vertical-axis design, like the eggbeater-style Durries model, named after its French inventor. Horizontal-axis wind turbines typically either have two or three blades. These three-bladed wind turbines are operated “upwind” with the blades facing into the wind.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 11:12:49 +0000
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