You decide to take the plunge and install an electricity-producing windmill (aka wind turbine) on your property. You may be building it yourself, or may have hired a company to do that part. there 's one thing you can not escape - you really need to know some things about your windmill!
It will not take much time to familiarize yourself with these key components, so you can "talk the talk" when it comes out the parts of a windmill.
- Anemometer Some more sophisticated systems have a feedback loop so the anemometer will "talk" to the control computer, regulating the blades & # 39; speed so damage will not occur.
- Blades. Many wind turbines have more than two blades. Wind impacts these blades, causing "lift," making the windmill rotate.
- Brake More expensive windmills have a brake. The brake can be applied to stop the windmill in an emergency.
- Controller. Normally, winds less than 8 miles per hour do not generate any any electricity, and winds greater that 55 mph can damage to the windmill. The computer lets the windmill oper between while velocities.
- Gear Box. As these gearboxes can cost a lot, and can have high rates of failure, windmill engineers are always looking for ways to go " gearless "- meaning direct - drive. That saves money and makes the windmills much simpler.
- Generator. Similar to the alternator (or generator) in your car, the generator makes the electrical power.
- Nacelle This is a fancy French name for the cover that protects the generator and gearbox (if included).
- Pitch. Too much pitch can make make the generator turn too fast and damage the windmill. Pitch is the "tilt" of the blades, or the angle that the blades are at to "capture" the wind so the generator will rot.
- Rotor. The rotor is attached to the generator shaft and also the blades and hub.
- Tower. This is what holds the windmill up into the airflow.
- Wind Vane This is the "tail" that helps keep the windmill pointed into the wind. Very important for maximum power generation.
Ll have some ideas what other windmill ishusiasts are talking about.
