Wind Generators Ian Matheson, Carrie Douglass, Mason Noteboom Period 8

Basic Features of a Wind Generator Device for converting the kinetic energy in wind into the mechanical energy of a rotating shaft, which is then converted into electrical energy by a generator energy/how-it-works.cfm

Horizontal Axis Generator rotating axis of the wind turbine is horizontal (parallel with the ground) used in big wind application able to produce more electricity from a given amount of wind (use these if you want to produce as much mind as possible) generally heavier and does not produce well in turbulent winds

Vertical Axis Generator rotating axis of the wind turbine is vertical (perpendicular to the ground) used in small wind projects and residential applications able to produce well in turbulent winds powered by wind coming from all 360 degrees thought to be ideal for installations where wind conditions are not consistent or where the turbine cannot be placed high enough to benefit from steady wind

Betz’s Law Betz’s Law is used to measure the power generated by a horizontal wind generator. P = 1/2 A ρ V 3 P = power (watts, or J/s) A = area swept by blades (m 2 ) ρ (roh) = density of fluid (air) (kg/m 3 ) V = velocity of blades (m/s)

Assumptions of Betz’s Law 1. The rotor has an infinite number of blades that have no drag 2. The flow into and out of the rotor is axial 3. The density of the air remains constant 4. Air flow is constant

KE to ME to EE It is impossible for all the wind energy to be converted to mechanical energy because of energy degradation Energy Loss Mechanical Friction Anything mechanical inside the turbine causes friction Copper Loss Friction that is created between electrical current and the copper wire that carries that current. Iron Loss Happens within the generator

Advantages Wind energy is a domestic source of energy Actually a form of solar energy Winds are caused by the heating of the atmosphere by the sun, the rotation of the earth, and the earth's surface irregularities. ●One of the most cost effective renewable energy sources ●Cleanest and most reliable way to generate electricity ●Benefits the economy in rural areas where wind energy is most effective

Disadvantages Most valuable wind energy locations are far away from big cities where the energy is really needed Sometimes causes harm to wildlife Aesthetically displeasing seeing a farm of wind turbines Wind turbines cause a lot of noise when the rotors are spinning

Works Cited law#What+are+the+limitations+for+achieving+high+efficiency%3F