FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 How do wind turbines work?

Wind turbines work by converting the kinetic energy of the wind to a rotational, mechanical energy which is then converted into electrical energy by a turbine.

When wind hits the turbine blades, they begin to spin in a circular motion which rotates a primary shaft. The rotation of the primary shaft spins gears in a gearbox that are connected to a turbine. The different speeds of each gear produce different amounts of electricity. The turbine collects the rotation produced from the gearbox and converts it into electrical energy. [2].

 

Why choose three turbine blades?

Depending on the job a wind turbine needs to do, different numbers of blades are needed to complete different tasks. In terms of electrical power generation, the basis behind our project, smaller numbers of blades are needed to produce more rotational speed. The more rotational speed a turbine generates, the more mechanical energy it create, and thus the more electrical power it will generate.

As for turbines with many blades, these are usually tasked with grinding or pumping, and they generally need more power. More power is generated from more blades, but the rotational speed will be much less than a turbine with fewer blades [2].

 

 

Page Sources

[1]. Wind Energy America. 2009. WindEnergyAmerica.com. 8 May 2013. <http://www.alleganywindfarm.com/faq.htm#header>

 [2]. The European Wind Energy Association. 2013. ewea.org. 8 May 2013. <http://www.ewea.org/wind-energy-basics/wind-energy-faq/>

 [3]. Allegany Wind Project. 2012. AlleganyWindFarm.com. 8 May 2013. <http://www.alleganywindfarm.com/faq.htm>