A Breakdown of the Different Types of Wind Turbines Used in Wind Energy Production

Category : Wind Energy | Sub Category : Wind Turbine Types Posted on 2023-07-07 21:24:53

A Breakdown of the Different Types of Wind Turbines Used in Wind Energy Production

Introduction:
In the quest for sustainable and renewable energy sources, wind energy has emerged as a front-runner. Harnessing the power of the wind, wind turbines play a vital role in converting this natural resource into electricity. However, not all wind turbines are created equal. In this article, we will explore the various types of wind turbines used in wind energy production and how they differ from one another.

1. Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs):
Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines, or HAWTs, are the most commonly recognized wind turbines. These turbines have a horizontal rotor shaft, with blades attached to it. The blades spin around a central axis, facing into the wind, capturing wind energy. HAWTs can be further classified into three subtypes: upwind turbines, downwind turbines, and HAWTs with or without the pitch control mechanism.
- Upwind turbines: These turbines face the wind, with the rotor being placed ahead of the tower to avoid wind turbulence caused by the tower.
- Downwind turbines: In contrast, downwind turbines have a rotor placed behind the tower, allowing the wind to first pass through the tower, stabilizing the rotor.
- HAWTs with pitch control mechanism: These turbines use blades with adjustable pitch angles, allowing them to optimize energy production under different wind speeds.

2. Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs):
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines, or VAWTs, have a rotor shaft that is vertical rather than horizontal. The blades are positioned vertically and spin around a central axis like an eggbeater. VAWTs have a few advantages over HAWTs, such as the ability to capture wind from any direction, eliminating the need for yaw control systems. Additionally, VAWTs are generally smaller, making them suitable for urban and residential areas where space is limited.

3. Darrieus Wind Turbines:
Darrieus wind turbines are a type of VAWT that features vertically aligned airfoils. These airfoils are usually shaped like an egg or aerofoil, providing lift force as the wind flows across it. Darrieus turbines are compact, relatively efficient at low wind speeds, and produce less noise compared to other wind turbine designs.

4. Savonius Wind Turbines:
Savonius wind turbines are another subtype of VAWTs, best recognized by their unique S-shaped design. These turbines have two or three cups or half-cylinders that rotate when exposed to the wind. Savonius turbines are simple, robust, and capable of starting at low wind speeds. They are commonly used for small-scale applications such as water pumping, ventilation, and battery charging.

Conclusion:
Wind energy has tremendous potential to meet our growing energy demands while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As we have seen in this article, wind turbines are available in different types and designs. Whether it's the more traditional Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines or the versatile Vertical Axis Wind Turbines, each type has its own advantages and applications. By utilizing a combination of these turbine types, we can maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of wind energy production, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.