Wind Power Basics
A. Blades/Rotor System
The rotor system consists of three fibreglass blades. Acting like aircraft wings, the blades convert
the energy of the wind into rotational forces that can drive a generator. The fibreglass blades are
exceptionally strong because they are densely packed with glass reinforcing fibers that run the
full length of the blade. The rotor has three blades because three blades will run much smoother
than rotors with two blades.
B. Alternator
The wind generator is a horizontal axis wind generator. The alternator utilizes
permanent magnets and has an inverted configuration in that the outside
housing(magnet can) rotates, while the internal windings and central shaft are
stationary.
The output from the alternator is three-phase alternating current(ac), but it is rectified
to direct current by the controller which is a part of the system. Since it uses
permanent magnets, the alternator is generating voltage whenever the rotor is turning.
C. Nacelle
The nacelle is the plastic housing around the main body of the machine. It contains
the main structural backbone of the turbine(called the mainframe), the slip-ring
assembly the yaw bearings, and the tower mount. The yaw bearings allow the wind
turbine to freely pivot around the tope of the tower so that the rotor will face into the
wind.
System Operation
A. Normal Operation
