What is Wind turbine: Definition and 180 Discussions

A wind turbine is a device that converts the wind's kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Wind turbines are manufactured in a wide range of sizes, with either horizontal or vertical axes. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of large turbines, in installations known as wind farms, now generate over 650 gigawatts of power, with 60 GW added each year. They are an increasingly important source of intermittent renewable energy, and are used in many countries to lower energy costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. One study claimed that, as of 2009, wind had the "lowest relative greenhouse gas emissions, the least water consumption demands and... the most favourable social impacts" compared to photovoltaic, hydro, geothermal, coal and gas.Smaller wind turbines are used for applications such as battery charging for auxiliary power for boats or caravans, and to power traffic warning signs. Larger turbines can contribute to a domestic power supply while selling unused power back to the utility supplier via the electrical grid.

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  1. R

    Can a Wind Turbine Power Cars for Extended Travel?

    I have read some of the responses to the question of why a wind turbine would not be a useful source of energy for a car. Why could it not be used as a supplemental source to extend travel?
  2. P

    Forces, Torques, Power etc. on a Wind Turbine

    Homework Statement Homework Equations P = 0.3*rho*A*V^3 F = 0.44*rho*A*V^2 From what I know that may help: Shear Stress (Torsion) = T*radius/(Moment of Inertia) The Attempt at a Solution When we were given this problem no one in the class had the slightest clue how to...
  3. M

    Experimentally Calculate Wind Turbine Torque

    Dear All, I'm in a bit of a pickle. I have recently booked out the local wind tunnel in order to run some simulations on three home made model wind turbines. I am aware of how to theoretically calculate the available power (0.5*p*A*V^3) and that P=Tw (Torque * Angular Velocity). Angular...
  4. E

    Why do wind turbines have such low durability compared to hydraulic turbines?

    It is a puzzle to see so many of the wind turbines that are idle. Even in active wind farms, such as at Altamount Pass, it is usual to see at least 20% of the turbines idle. Older installations are usually idle as well. Why is this? Hydraulic turbines routinely run flawlessly for decades...
  5. F

    What's wrong with this wind turbine concept?

    Hello, a friend of mine has a "revolutionary" idea about harvesting wind power by using a "translational turbine". however, it all sounds silly to me. this is what it should look like: is this a good idea for a wind "turbine"?
  6. S

    Calculating Forces on a Domestic Wind Turbine During Extension/Retraction

    Homework Statement Hi I need help in calculating the forces on a domestic wind turbine that is retracted/extended by a hydraulic ram. It is very simular to the following photo: I need to calculate the forces at the hinge and where the ram attaches. I have all the relevant dimensions and...
  7. A

    MATLAB Can I Build a 2KW Small Wind Turbine System with MATLAB Simulink?

    can anyone help how to build small wind turbine system to generate 2KW power using MATlab simulink..??
  8. D

    Wind Turbine Power: Calculating Max Output

    Hello everyone, I've found these forums extremely helpful in the past and I've decided to create an account in order to answer a question that has been going in my mind and I can't seem to find the answer. The power a wind turbine can generate can be derived from the equation: Power =...
  9. B

    What are the different ways to control a wind turbine

    I understand that in theory one can adjust the blade pitch or the speed or the yaw to control a wind turbine. Every time I do a search on turbine control this is all I come across. However I want to ask the question at a more "actual" level. What actually happens. Do they use PI control...
  10. D

    Wind Turbine DIY Project for School - Steel Plate vs Non Magnetic Plate

    i don't know if i am in right part of forum. i want to build some sort of wind turbine for a school project. all the diy project are 6 or 9 coils with 8 or 12 magnets. the coils are on non magnetic board and the magnets on steel plate. why on steel, the steel plate increase the total...
  11. L

    Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Design Questions

    Hello All, I'm currently in the process of designing a numerical model for a vertical axis wind turbine, more specifically, a straight blade giromill. I'm currently having trouble because depending on the variables I choose, I can produce more power than available from the wind. My...
  12. B

    Belts and pulleys for WIND TURBINE ?

    Belts and pulleys for WIND TURBINE ? Hi, I have been working on a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine. The blades I am able to fabricate produce more torque than speed. I am adding a synchronous belt drive transmission. The current configuration is 1 rpm at the input and 7 rpm at the output. I have...
  13. C

    How can I design a reliable slewing bearing for a VAWT yaw control system?

    I'm building a yaw control system for one of the universitys VAWT turbines. I need to design a slewing bearing which can reliably support radial, axial and tilting moments. I have absolutely no idea how to do this or even where to start. Could you please give me some advice as to go about...
  14. D

    Hybrid/ Electric Car Wind turbine - REimagined

    I was reading an earlier post about having a wind turbine embedded in a vehicle to generate electricity as it moved. I came to this site after having this thought last night. But I realized immediately that drag and weight would be counterproductive. However, I did ponder an alternative...
  15. K

    Does the wind speed up after a wind turbine blade?

    What does happen to the wind after it passes through a wind turbine blade? Does it increases the wind speed?
  16. S

    Wanted to designed a 5k Watt Wind Turbine

    Hi everyone! I am new in physics forum and this is my first post. I need help from the people out there. I wanted to deisgn a Vertical Axis wind turbine to produce 5k Watt output with a frequecy of 50Hz, 220VAC, to completely run my home appliance 24 hours. Appliances include: -1.5ton...
  17. C

    Threshold speed in wind turbine. Is it dependent on frictional resistance?

    hey! Wind turbines have got certain threshold speed of wind (of about 6-7 m/s) which acts as a mechanical resistance to its rotation. Is this mechanical resistance a result of frictional resistance in bearings alone, or it is also a result of its own weight? If yes, approximately how much...
  18. K

    Wind turbine on a boat efficient?

    I recently read this http://www.earthtechling.com/2011/06/wind-turbines-board-europe-ferries/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Earthtechling+%28EarthTechling%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" and it's really bugging me. They claim that by putting wind turbines on the...
  19. Y

    Effectiveness of Dimpled Wind Turbine?

    http://www.sauerenergy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50 The link above gives a picture and rough model of a Sauer Wind Turbine. I was wondering, since the dimples on the turbine were based on the idea that a golf ball reduced air resistances, how it would help the wind...
  20. N

    Angular Velocity of a wind turbine

    Homework Statement A wind turbine is initially spinning at a constant angular speed. As the wind's strength gradually increases, the turbine experiences a constant angular acceleration 0.127 rad/s2. After making 2790 revolutions, its angular speed is 155 rad/s. (a) What is the initial angular...
  21. P

    How Is Power Extracted from Wind Turbines?

    Homework Statement Air of density 1.2kgm-3, speed 8ms-1 is incident on blades of wind turbine. Radius of blades 1.5m. After passing blades, wind speed is reduced to 3.0ms-1 and density 1.8kgm-3. How much power is extracted from wind?Homework Equations P=1/2 pAv3The Attempt at a Solution P=1/2 x...
  22. F

    Designing a Tower for a Homemade Wind Turbine: Considerations and Requirements

    Hello all, I am not an engineer, but I am a 32 year steel fabricator, I have recently built a 17 foot wind turbine with an axial flux alternator, I would like to build a tower for it but would like to get a general idea before I go to a local engineer for actual stamped drawings which are...
  23. kandelabr

    How Do You Securely Install a Wind Turbine in Soft Soil?

    Hello. The title of this post may seem too hardcore. Actually, I am building a simple wind turbine made from wood and aluminium thin plate. it has three blades and 120 cm in diameter. It should be at least 3.5 m above ground, on a steel/wood column. I have no idea how to install this pole...
  24. T

    Calculating Power Input for Wind Turbine Shaft with Continuous Force

    Homework Statement I am trying to determine the input I will have on a shaft with a continuous force of 3,720 pounds one foot out from the shaft center. I am thinking the input continuous torque would be 1 foot being that I am using a 2 foot pulley on the shaft, and I have a continuous...
  25. M

    Dynamic Analysis of Wind Turbine Blades

    My Semester Project Is "Dynamic Analysis of Wind Turbine Blades" In ANSYS 9 Environment ... I've Modeled Wind Turbine 'Rotor Assembly' In Pro|Engineer And Successfully Imported Into ANSYS ... I've Practiced 'Static Analysis' Only In The ANSYS Environment ... So It Leaves Me With A ZERO-LEVEL...
  26. S

    How can I calculate the voltage output of a wind turbine?

    Hi I wasn't sure whether this is technically homework or not but anyway. I am building a miniature wind turbine for a basic project just for myself. I was wondering if there was anyway for working out the voltage gained from the generator. I know this could be gained from using P = IV but...
  27. M

    Wind Turbine Science Fair Project - Generator Coil Problem

    Homework Statement My son and I have built a wind turbine following the plans on: Build your own Wind Turbine Designed by Dave Mussell http://www.re-energy.ca/docs/wind-turbine-cp.pdf" . These plans were inspired by the Picoturbine: link to manufacturer and link to PDF. We used 30 AWG...
  28. L

    How Should Wind Turbine Blades Be Designed for Maximum Efficiency?

    We are looking to effectivley build a wind turbine to capture the wind and create energy. What would be the most effective and easisest way to construct the windmill? I would like to focus on the design of the blades themselves. What design of the blades would provide maximum support and...
  29. M

    Wind Turbines on Cars: Benefits & Challenges

    Hello. Let me make something clear right away, I don't think perpetual motion is possible. However, whenever I look into wind-turbines/cars I find forums bashing some young person for asking why we don't strap a windmill to the top of our cars. Obviously that wouldn't be an efficient way...
  30. O

    Develop Wind Turbine Model for Electricity Generation

    How do i develop a wind turbine model for electricity generation.
  31. P

    What are the coefficients for a 1KW wind turbine?

    Homework Statement Model a 1KW windturbine. Homework Equations in this link u will find the equation (its equation 2-3) for a fit for a cp(lambda,beta) curve. It has 6 coefficients. The coefficients given are particular to a 1.5 MW windturbine. Does anyone know where I can find any...
  32. D

    Speed of wind turbine to the speed of air

    hi!... Does anyone know the relationship (i mean formulas) relating to the incoming air velocity to the rpm of a wind turbine?..i need to have a design in the generator part and also the parameters of the propeller..thanks! best regards, :)
  33. Z

    Very small wind turbine question

    Could a small ducted fan / wind turbine say 4 -5 inches in diameter placed in the wind stream of a car develop enough energy at freeway speeds ( or less ) to help charge the cars battery at a realistic level say 30 to 75 amps 12v? I am thinking along the line of a duct from the front grill area...
  34. K

    Natural frequency of a wind turbine

    how do we find the natural frequency of a tower of a wind turbine if, say, the tower is circular hollow cross sectional shape (its not tapered or anything, just cylindrical all the way up). I think i know how to find it when we're ignoring its weight, but what is it when weretaking into account...
  35. S

    How does the gear ratio affect the power efficiency generated by a wind turbine

    I have a basic question on how the power efficiency of wind turbine affected by the gear ratio. Suppose there is a generator connected with the rotor through a gear enhancer, a higher angular speed of generator is obtained. Since a higher voltage is produced, we may think that the power...
  36. X

    Would a wind turbine on a moving car generate energy efficiently?

    I was talking on another forum about an idea someone proposed. They said if you put a miniature wind turbine as a Hood Ornament on a car, as the car drives, it would produce extra usable energy. I said this would not work as if the wind is not blowing at the correct angle and velocity then...
  37. M

    How to Calculate Moment and Shear for a Wind Turbine Spar Design

    Hi guys, I am working on designing a wind turbine spar for a second year mech project. The spar has an elliptical cross section, is hollow and linearly tapered with a linearly varying wall thickness. The entire tower reaches upwards at angle. My question is: if I want to find out the...
  38. G

    Vertical Wind Turbine Sail Boat Concept

    Hello, Im new to the forum, i joined to ask a question about a boat I've been obsessing about for awhile. My idea is an aluminum sail boat (27-40') that has its mast removed and replaced with say a 3-4kw vertical wind generator (350lb) i know that's a bit heavy but I am sure the wind forces are...
  39. H

    New BEM wind turbine blade design software integrated in XFOIL

    Hi there... if it is of interest to anyone. I just completed a wind turbine blade design and simulation software fully integrated into the GUI XFLR5 of Mark Drelas XFOIL. If you want to try it out check: qblade.de.to cheers David
  40. S

    Major Wind Turbine Projects in Canada & Beyond - Location, Budget & More

    anything big like it costs more then 15 million and some how it has made or is attempting to make a significant contribution to the field of physics. If it's happening in Canada then that would be most preferable and helpful but if it's taking place in a different country then that is good too...
  41. G

    Optimum wind turbine blade design with xfoil

    my dessertation topic is optimum wind turbine blade design with xfoil. and the aim of this project is to find a series of airfoil that gives a good efficiency and also how the angle of attack changes with rotation...pls has somebody got an idea about...and also how best can i start this...
  42. G

    Can wind turbines harness energy from moving vehicles?

    Consider a wind turbine placed alongside a road in a location with no wind. If a vehicle drives past (without loss of generality, at a constant speed) the turbine will spin and electrical power can be produced. The power produced is obviously supplied by the vehicle. As compared to the case...
  43. E

    Wind Turbine Design - Help w/Equations for Power Output

    Hi, I'm currently trying to design a wind turbine for a college project. I know the ideal equation for power is (mass x area x velocity cubed)divided by 2. Is there anyone who could help with equations relating the power output to the number of blades and angle of the blades. Thanks
  44. F

    Is Over 100% Solidity Normal for Wind Turbine Blades Near the Hub?

    Hello. I'm calculating the different parameters of a turbine design but I have some trouble with the solidity. The solidity near the hub exceeds 100%, but is an average of ~27% for a 6 bladed turbine. I'm just wondering if anyone has had experience in turbine design and if +100% solidity is...
  45. W

    Wind Turbine: 8MWatts Increase at 650ft?

    1. Wind turbine produces 8MWatts (If wind speed is proportional to the 7th root of altitude) (Wind power is proportional to the cube of wind speed First the turbine is at 450ft then reconstructed at 650ft, how much faster is wind speed? and how much more power?2. Sw= 7√Altitude, Pw= (Sw)33...
  46. H

    Design of a wind turbine kit for a car

    Hi! I’m a 4th year student at mechanical engineering. I have been asked to design a kit that can be installed in a car/vehicle which can be used to recharge the car's battery or connected to some of the car's/vehicle's component to power them. Where and how do I start? Does anyone have a...
  47. L

    Can a Wind Turbine Improve Gas Mileage in Electric Cars?

    I know this question was already asked but I wanted to tackle it from a different angle. I saw allot of posts on how it would take too much gas to create the energy from the turbine but for the example let's say the car is electric. Now say we have a system where the turbine is in a...
  48. S

    Wind Turbine Simulator experiment-formula needed

    Homework Statement I did an experiment on a wind turbine simulator I'm am doing an assignment and I need to draw up a prediction on what I think will happen I am trying to find a Formula where I can put in the input values ie 1500rpm, Excitation voltage, Hz .so that I can put in these...
  49. J

    FYP inquiries - Vertical-axis Wind Turbine

    Hi, I am a Mechanical student, currently at my final year so I am to do my FYP aka Final Year Project with the title of hybrid power generator (solar + wind). My friend is in charge of the solar part while I am to design a vertical-axis wind turbine. I am clueless about from where should I...
  50. P

    Build a Small Wind Turbine Using the Kidwind Motor

    we need to make a wind turbine using this motor http://www.kidwind.org/xcart/product.php?productid=15&cat=79&page=1" the rules can be found here: http://www.mrmaloney.com/nssl/events/2009-2010/0910_4-jan-wind.pdf" We were thinking, since they will be using P=(I^2)R instead of P=IV to...
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