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There are two basic types of wind generators.
These include the horizontal axis wind turbine
(HAWT)
and the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT).
Understandably one turns on a horizontal
axis and the other one upon a vertical axis.
Each type of wind generator works in similar
fashion. Basically, the wind blows past the
wind generator blades or rotors causing a
low pressure system on the trailing edge of
the blades similar to a wing of an airplane.
Large scale wind generator blades may need a
wind speed of 10 mph or more to start
turning while residential wind generators may
start rotating at speeds of 7 mph or less.
Smaller wind generators will use
a tail fan, while larger devices will use computerized
tracking to keep the blades pointing into
the wind for optimal efficiency. Large wind
generator blades are connected to shafts,
gears, generators and electrical control
systems. These systems then interface with
high-voltage transformers and then to the
grid.
Small wind generators such as
those used at home usually have the blades connected
to a DC generator, power inverter, AC
generator and bank of batteries. The home
wind turbine is used to power the batteries,
which in turn power the residence. An
electrical contractor can tie in the home
wind generator to the grid if desired.
How wind turbines work efficiently has to
do with the size and shape of the rotors,
the location of the turbine including
geography and height and other basic
mechanics that either cause more drag or
less drag on the system. Many assume that
the old style windmill with many blades is
more efficient because of the number of
rotors.
But, the number of rotors can actually add
more drag, more weight and get in the way of
wind flowing through the blade area. Two or
three bladed turbines are most popular now
days because of more thrust and less wind
resistance.
One of the main factors that contribute to
how wind turbines work is the kind of
electromagnetic system that is used to
generate electricity. The wind generator
blades are usually tied into something akin
to the alternator in a motor car.
The alternator works because many loops of
copper wire spin at high speeds
around an iron core, producing an
electromagnetic current (electricity). The
kind of electromagnetic induction can vary
depending upon the size of the wind turbine
and the manufacturer's specifications and
design.
How wind generators work has
changed over the years. The
history of wind power starts
with these renewable energy
devices being used to grind
grains and pump water. Over the
years, the need to use wind
generators for electrical
generation has come to the forefront and
which is why so much development is taking
place right now.
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