For centuries now, people have been using wind turbines to generate power. Even now, the basic concept behind this type of device remains the same, but the designs of the blades used have undergone major changes since their introduction. The basic benefit of modern blade design is that it allows wind turbines to generate more power from less wind now than ever before, which in turn makes it realistic to use smaller and quieter turbines.
Mats made out of reeds were used as the blades for the first-generation wind turbines. Their main weak point was a lack of durability. They frequently needed replacing, especially if they were exposed to strong winds.
Reed blades would eventually be abandoned in favor of lighter and more durable cloth sails. Along with a new vertical axis style design, many early windmills utilized this type of blade in order to use wind power for grain processing purposes.
The next step in the development of wind turbines came with the introduction of wooden blades and horizontal axis blade configurations. This development mirrored those seen in the world of aeronautics, as improving rotors often had similar features as well. Although much lighter, wooden blades were nevertheless able to provide much more power than previous turbine blades.
This was the period in which wind turbines were first used as a means of producing electricity. It was soon after this that large scale wind turbines would be used to for commercial purposes.
From this period on, wind turbine blade development separated into two distinct paths: horizontal axis blades, and vertical axis blades. In terms of horizontal axis blade design, most of the changes would manifest themselves as adjustments in blade shape and pitch, materials, and the number of blades used per rotor.
In most cases, 3-blade designs came to be used for horizontal axis wind turbines, as they have the best balance of stability and rotor speed. Composite blades, which provide superior strength and flexibility in addition to lightweight construction, are used for many modern turbines. Wind turbines using composite blades can not only spin at higher speeds, but can also generate power from low-speed winds, unlike older models.
For vertical axis wind turbines as well, there are a number of new designs available today, which are suitable for a wide variety of purposes. These designs usually take advantage of either wind drag or wind lift in previously unthinkable ways in order to provide surprising amounts of rotation.
The most popular advantage of vertical axis wind turbine designs is their capacity to generate power no matter what direction the wind is blowing. Thanks to this feature, vertical axis turbines produce the most consistent output of energy of any type currently available. Their capacity to produce power at lower elevation makes them especially appropriate for use in residential settings.
If you would like to know the pros and cons of solar energy, take a look at Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Power.
For the best guide to building your own wind turbines, visit Best DIY Solar and Wind Guides.
Here's another guide to building your own wind turbine Homemade Wind Turbine.
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