Wind Turbine Design

Wind turbine design is imperative in getting the most out of what the weather has to offer. One of the greatest sources of energy is constant motion derived from the ocean, rivers or the wind. This is because it is a constant source that is not limited to a few hours a day like solar panels.

However, there are many variables that must be accounted for to determine the best position, height, and type of turbine that best suit’s the location.

Wind Turbine Design

Interestingly enough, temperature is a huge factor in determining if a wind turbine is viable in your region. Intense cold will cause a buildup of ice and the extra load can damage the wind turbine and also some of the instruments. You must also take into consideration, power control, electrical braking, yawing, and mechanical braking to ensure operability in all wind speeds.

The larger the wind turbine, the greater the output and the output will be determined by the number of blades, blade design, and the materials used to manufacture the blades. Wind tunnels are at different heights in the sky, so the height of your tower will be determined by how low or high the wind patterns are and how much energy you need to generate for your needs.

Building the foundation is an important part of the project for larger tower mounted systems. Due to the weight displacement and the wind resistance, the foundation is important to ensure the turbine remains upright and keeps the blades at their optimal position.

This can mean a sizable amount of cement and rebar for taller structures which will need proper anchoring to ensure compliance with city ordinances and safety codes. For homeowners, ensure your wind generator is accessible for future maintenance and inspections so that you can perform the basics yourself. This will ensure quicker maintenance and no future expenses.

Wind turbine design has to take in many factors such as temperature range operating limits, aerodynamics, power control, stall, pitch control, yawing, electrical braking, mechanical braking, size of turbine, generators and tower height. In regard to wind turbine blade design then other factors such as blade count and materials have to be considered.

There are many different blade designs, each with their own unique advantages. WhalePower design is a blade based on the fins of a humpback whale which supposedly can increase output by 20-percent. Quiet Revolution qr5 has developed a small urban type of turbine meant to work at lower wind speeds and constantly changing wind directions.

Windspire is similar to the qr5 but much larger and can withstand 105 miles per hour of wind speed, making it ideal in extreme wind tunnel areas. WePower is another popular wind turbine design that works on both lift and drag and has pleasing aesthetics that neighbors won’t complain about.

Futuristic Wind Turbine Design

You can purchase a wind turbine for as little as a few hundred dollars to several hundred thousand dollars depending on application and size. Determine what the local ordinances are within your neighborhood, association and city before purchasing the equipment. Ensure that you hire an electrician with experience in wind turbines to assist with connecting the electrical cables properly and safely into your home or business.

Wind turbine design can also be determined by the creativity of the engineering firm. For instance both horizontal axis wind turbines and vertical axis wind turbines are popular now. Some of this has to do with functionality and part of this is also for visual appeal.

In conclusion, if your power company has its own wind farm or contract with one, they may give special incentives for you to partake of this green, renewable energy source. Just remember that the wind turbine design will have a lot to do with how much power you’ll receive in your particular area.