Wind Turbines-The Energy Source Of The Future

By Jake Zertosky

Wind turbines are quickly becoming the energy source of the future. By using the power of wind, these machines promise clean energy sources by using sustainable products. The wind will always be sustainable; it will always be available! These machines rotate and use what is known as 'kinetic' energy from the wind. The energy is converted into 'mechanical' energy. The energy produced from wind turbines is easily transformed into electricity. Sometimes wind turbines are known as 'wind' generators, 'wind' energy converters or 'wind' power machines.

Two types of turbines exist today:Wind turbines which rotate with main machinery (electrical generator unit and rotor shaft) on the top of a tower are called: horizontal axis turbines. These turbines need to be faced towards a strong, forceful wind in order to have their energy output maximized. Typically if the wind turbine is small, only one vane powers the unit.

Horizontal axis or vertical axis wind turbines are available:If the wind turbines' components rotate on the upper portion of a tower with a rotor shaft and an electrical generator, these are horizontal axis. Horizontal axis turbines need to be faced towards the wind. If the turbines are smaller, they will customarily have only one wind 'vane'. Larger units have wind 'sensors' and what are called 'servo motors'. Any horizontal axis turbine has a gearbox. These gear boxes make the blades' rotation faster. A better energy source for the electrical generator will result.

Customarily a tower will have 'turbulence' as the force at its back. Then the turbines are generally pointed 'upwind' of any tower. To prevent the wind turbine blades from being pushed to the tower by forceful winds, the blades are manufactured rigidly. The blades are also positioned a larger distance at the front of the tower. They are also often tilted into the wind and forward to a degree.

In spite of the turbulence problem, 'downwind' machinery has been build. This machinery doesn't require more mechanisms for ensuring that they remain in line with the wind. Often blades will bend in high winds; this will reduce their wind 'resistance' Any repetitive turbulence can facilitate turbine failure.

If a turbine has a vertical axis, the blades are arranged in a vertical manner to the rotor shafts. Good energy is still produced by the vertical turbines even if the blades are pointed into the winds' direction. When the direction of the wind is altered, this machine still will produce electricity and other energy. So there are a lot of advantages to the vertical axis turbines.

These vertical turbines have the parts positioned closer to the ground. These important parts are the generator and the gearbox. So it isn't imperative for the turbine to be supported by the tower. Maintaining this turbine is easy but being aware of any pulsing movements which can cause wear and tear.

To put these types of wind turbines on towers is difficult. It is best that vertical axis machinery is put closer to the ground and mounted nearer the base. The best locations would be a structure's roof top or on a ground level. If you maintain these turbines well as guard against turbulence, your wind turbine will reward you with years of energy savings!Not to mention the benefit of supply environmentally friendly energy. - 32387

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