Jan 18 2011
The findings of a recent survey conducted by Research and Markets on the feasibility of constructing small size wind turbines analyzes among other things, the parts that make up the wind turbine and the challenges that operators of such turbines face before they can actually make the turbines operate to their maximum potential. Issues such as stalling of the aerodynamic, fatigue patterns and other factors that impact the wind turbines have been discussed in the report.
Also discussed are market patterns and potentials of such turbines. Turbines that can generate power of no more than 50 watts, and can only be used for use in homes, small refrigeration units or a small boat are termed small turbines, whereas large ones are generally found in wind farms and are used for commercial purposes. The power generated by these small turbines can be directly used without the need to be fed onto a grid.
They comprise aero elastic blades that are turned into the wind through a vane. They have single current outputs and are very cost-effective. On the other hand, the bigger turbines are more expensive, and have alternating current outputs, and their flaps are continuously turned towards the wind. Currently, research is being conducted to study the feasibility of using the larger turbines for direct connect using aero elastic blades.
Turbines used in homes are no more than 7 to 25 feet in diameter and can generate energy in the range of 3000 to 10,000 watts. Most of these are small and lightweight, and can be mounted easily on rooftops in cities. They resemble television antennae, and respond immediately to mild breezes as quickly as to sudden gusts of wind.
Source: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/