Wind Turbine

Overview

A wind turbine converts the kinetic energy of moving air into electricity. This utility-scale, horizontal-axis machine drives a 3.0 MW generator from a three-bladed, 120 m rotor mounted atop a 90 m tower. The blades work as aerofoils: passing wind generates lift that turns the rotor, and a power-electronic converter conditions the variable-frequency generator output to feed a fixed-frequency grid. Active pitch and yaw control keep the rotor pointed into the wind and limit power in high winds.

Construction

The Tubular Steel Tower is a tapered tubular steel column that raises the rotor into the stronger, smoother wind aloft and houses the internal access ladder and cabling. It transfers all loads to the ground through the Foundation Anchor Cage, an embedded ring or pile cage cast into a reinforced-concrete base.

At the top sits the Wind Turbine Nacelle, the housing that carries the drivetrain, main shaft, bearings, optional gearbox, and the generator that produces electricity at 690 V. The nacelle yaws on the tower top to track wind direction.

Energy capture is the job of the Rotor, the hub and three pitch-controlled blades. Each blade can rotate about its long axis to set the angle of attack, regulating power and feathering to stop the machine in storms.

Operation is coordinated by the Turbine Controller, the turbine control and SCADA system that commands pitch, yaw, and the converter, and reports to the wind-farm operator. It acts on data from the Met Station, the nacelle-mounted anemometer and wind vane that measure wind speed and direction. Protecting the whole structure, the Lightning Protection System system routes strikes from blade-tip receptors down to earth, shielding the electronics inside.