Wind Turbine Blades Convert Renewable Wind Energy into Free Electricity

Introduction

Wind turbine blades are a key component of a wind turbine. Wind turbines are machines that turn wind energy into mechanical energy, which is then used to produce electricity. Generally, a wind turbine includes a rotor having multiple blades. The rotor is mounted on a housing or nacelle, which is positioned on top of a truss or tubular tower. Wind turbine blades are very similar in function to glider wings. Both are designed for maximum lift and efficiency with minimum drag. Wind turbine blades can be highly sophisticated products, composed of a variety of materials and composites. They are safety relevant components and; therefore, quality control is an important consideration.

Wind Turbine Blades are Designed for Specific Applications

Optimizing blade characteristics for prevailing operational conditions is paramount to increase efficiency. The blades are built specially to suit each turbine type, in close collaboration with turbine owners. Generally, low speed generators will either have longer rotor blades or a larger number of shorter, wider blades to maximize power drawn from minimal wind. High speed wind generators typically utilize stronger blade materials, and have short, stiff blades to minimize stresses during high winds. Generally, a blade consists of two shells which are bonded together with a structural adhesive. The internal structure comprises two different geometries which can require two different adhesive chemistries.

Wind Turbine Blades Must Withstand Severe Conditions

Wind turbine blades are designed to stand up to some incredibly nasty conditions for many years without failure. An example of this would be the wind farms near Tehachapi, California where they get some wickedly high winds, but are also at the edge of a desert. Wind turbine blades are prone to stalling, even at low wind speeds close to the root of the blade where the blade cross-sections are the greatest. Therefore, some of the newer rotor blades have the backside of the blade equipped with a number of vortex generators (to prevent stalling).


Wind Turbine Blades Are Shaped Like Airfoils

Wind turbine blades are generally airfoil shaped, like the wings on an airplane to create lift and help maximize efficiency. Much of the performance of wind turbine blades is derived from aerodynamic optimization of the blade shape and dynamics. The blades usually have a twist to their shape, necessary because the blades move faster at the outer ends and slower at the bottom, toward the hub. Blade failure is very costly because it can damage other blades, the wind turbine itself, and possibly other wind turbines. Wind turbine blades are one of the key turbine components that benefit from improvements in technology.


Summary

Wind turbine blades are a critical component in the design of wind turbines. Wind blades are designed for specific applications, and must withstand potentially severe operating conditions. Modern wind blades are shaped like airfoils to maximize lift, minimize drag, and maximize efficiency. As part of a DIY wind turbine project, individual wind turbine blades can be built. New or replacement wind turbine blades can also be purchased.


To learn more about building your own DIY wind turbine blades, visit our recommended resources below. To purchase wind turbine blades, see our listings (right), or go here.


Recommended Resources-Learning About Building Wind Turbine Blades