Wind turbines with horizontal axis of rotation

Wind turbines with horizontal axis of rotation can be used to convert wind energy lifting force or the force of resistance. Devices using the lift force are preferable, because they can develop in several times more powerful than the device with a direct action of the resistance. The latter, moreover, can not travel faster than the speed of the wind. As a consequence, the blade, which operates the lift (propeller) may be more high-speed (Fast - the ratio of peripheral speed of the surface element to the wind speed) and have a better ratio of power and weight at a lower unit cost of installed capacity.

Propeller can be performed with different number of blades, from single-blade turbine with a counterweight to multibladed (with the number of blades up to 50 and more). Propeller with a horizontal axis of rotation do sometimes fixed in direction, i.e. they can not rotate about the vertical axis perpendicular to the direction of the wind. This type of turbine used only when there is a prevailing wind direction. In most cases the system, on which the rotor (called the head), running swivel that is driven in the direction of the wind. In small wind generators typically used for this purpose, the tail feathers, the big ones - orientation control system.

To limit the rotation frequency of the propeller at high wind speeds using several methods, including the installation of the blades in the directional position, the use of valves that are installed on or rotary blades with them, as well as devices to the propeller from the wind by using a side plan, which is located parallel to the plane of rotation.

The blades can be directly attached to the shaft of the generator, or the torque can be transmitted from its rim through the main shaft to the generator, or another working machine.

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