Wind Turbine Styles

There are many different styles of wind turbines available on the market today, from huge industrial styles for commercial use, to smaller compact versions that are designed for use by the average person. Wind turbines have been used to generate electricity since 1888 and the designs of turbines have been continuously improved upon ever since. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into usable electricity that can be channeled and used to power a variety of electrical devices and equipment.

Blade Styles

• The first wind turbine to generate electricity was built in Cleveland, Ohio and had a rotor that was 17 meters in diameter. The design looked similar to a circular picket fence with multiple blades to propel it. Although innovative at the time, this design was extremely inefficient, producing only 12 kilowatts. Since then scientists have experimented with various styles of blades, adopting designs that resemble sails and fans. Unfortunately both of these designs were extremely inadequate as they failed to generate enough electricity. In the end it was airplane propellers that inspired the three or four, tapered blade designs, which some scientists now say is the most effective and efficient shape for generating electricity from wind.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

• The biggest advantages of vertical axis wind turbines are that they do not need to be pointed into the wind, and the generators and gearboxes can be placed close to the ground. Unfortunately this design can create a tremendous amount of torque which invariably puts a lot of strain on the main turbine bearings. This style of turbine does not need to be placed on a high tower but performs better in lower more turbulent winds. Vertical axis wind turbines can also be built closer together than horizontal axis wind turbines because they do not slow the air movement as they rotate, unlike their horizontal counterpart.

Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

• Horizontal axis wind turbines have become the favorite style of turbines for generating electricity from wind. The turbines are usually mounted on a tall tower and have a rudder that steers the blades into the wind. Most of them have a step down gearbox that converts the slow turning of the blades into a rotation that is quick enough to drive an electrical generator. Almost all of today's modern horizontal axis wind turbines are pointed upwind so that the wind hits the blades first. When turbines are designed to point downwind, the wind hits the generator and the tower first. In high turbulent winds this can cause stress and fatigue on the various mechanical parts requiring frequent maintenance and repair.