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Types
Of Wind Turbines
Modern wind turbines fall into two
basic groups: the horizontal-axis variety, as shown in the photo, and
the vertical-axis design, like the eggbeater-style Darrieus 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.
Many
wind farms have sprung up in the Midwest in recent years, generating
power for utilities. Farmers benefit by receiving land lease payments
from wind energy project developers.
Sizes
Of Wind Turbines
Utility-scale
turbines range in size from 100 kilowatts to as large as several
megawatts. Larger turbines are grouped together into wind farms, which
provide bulk power to the electrical grid.
Single small turbines, below 100
kilowatts, are used for homes,
telecommunications dishes, or water pumping. Small turbines are
sometimes used in connection with diesel generators, batteries, and
photovoltaic systems. These systems are called hybrid wind systems and
are typically used in remote, off-grid locations, where a connection to
the utility grid is not available.
GE
Wind Energy's 3.6 megawatt wind turbine is one of the largest
prototypes ever erected. Larger wind turbines are more efficient and
cost effective.
Information
From U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program
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