Features

• The energy output and rotational speed of a wind turbine fluctuates based on variations in the type, size, blades and location of turbines, and on the wind speed. The main types of turbines include vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) and horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT). Two- or three-blade systems are typically implemented. Locations include offshore, onshore or aerial placements.
  
  

Function

• A wind turbine starts rotating when wind blows over its blades, causing them to rotate. The controller part of the generator system begins functioning at wind speeds of 8 to 16 miles per hour, and continues working at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.
  
  

Potential

• The rotational speed of a wind turbine is measured by the amount of 360 degree rotations a turbine completes per minute (rpm). A gearbox is a system of gears within turbines that increases low blade speeds of 30 to 60 rpm to high speeds of 1,000 to 1,800 rpm, at which point electrical power is produced.