HAWT and VAWT: Advantages and Disadvantages Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is an advantage of VAWTs over HAWTs?

Reduced noise levels (correct)

Higher peak power output

Require complex tracking mechanisms

Use disc brakes for maintenance

Why are some VAWT designs advantageous in terms of installation impact?

They increase environmental impact

They need extensive concrete transport

They require complex foundation structures

They can use screw pile foundations (correct)

What disadvantage do VAWTs face when encountering high wind conditions?

Decreased power output

Lower torque ripple effect

Dynamic stall of blades (correct)

Utilization of gearboxes

How do VAWTs reduce the danger for birds compared to HAWTs?

By having reduced torque ripple effect Signup and view all the answers

Which feature makes VAWTs advantageous in terms of gearbox maintenance?

Simpler and more efficient gearbox replacements Signup and view all the answers

Why do some VAWT wind turbines experience power loss at peak wind velocities?

Dynamic stall of blades Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of a Horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) in terms of wind capture?

Blades that can be adjusted for optimal wind attack angle Signup and view all the answers

Why are Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWT) considered challenging for distributed generation?

The tall tower design makes them difficult for widespread use Signup and view all the answers

What is a key disadvantage of Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWT) compared to other types?

Requirement for a strong tower structure to support the heavy generator and gearbox Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinctive feature of a Vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) that sets it apart from HAWTs?

Main components located at the base of the turbine Signup and view all the answers

In what aspect do Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have an advantage over Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs)?

Elimination of the need for wind-sensing mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic contributes to the high complexity and cost of Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWT)?

Requirement for a sturdy structure to support heavy components Signup and view all the answers

What is the main principle behind the generation of aerodynamic lift in a Horizontal-axis wind turbine?

High-speed air on the front side creates a low-pressure area. Signup and view all the answers

What minimum wind speed is generally required for a Horizontal-axis wind turbine to start rotating and generate electricity?

12-14 km/h Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the advantages of a Horizontal-axis wind turbine over a Vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT)?

Higher efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for installing a Horizontal-axis wind turbine?

High wind speeds, often found in upland areas Signup and view all the answers

How does the efficiency of a Horizontal-axis wind turbine compare to that of a Vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT)?

Higher efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the blades in a Horizontal-axis wind turbine?

To move air upward creating aerodynamic lift Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Darrieus Wind Turbine

Shaping blades into a helix reduces torque ripple effect by spreading torque evenly over the revolution.

Revolving Wing Wind Turbine

Uses 1 vertically standing, non-helical airfoil to generate 360-degree rotation around a vertical shaft.
Revolves around a vertical shaft that runs through the center of the airfoil.

Advantages of VAWT

Omni-directional, no need to track wind direction.
No complex mechanism and motors required to yaw the rotor and pitch the blades.
Gearbox replacement and maintenance are simpler and more efficient.
Can use screw pile foundations, reducing road transport of concrete and environmental impact.
Can be installed on HAWT wind farms below existing HAWTs, supplementing power output.
Reduced noise compared to HAWTs.
Reduced danger for birds.

Disadvantages of VAWT

Power decreases to zero at high wind turbine velocity.
Disc brakes can overheat, causing the turbine to catch fire.
Dynamic stall of blades can occur due to varying angle of attack.
Rotational speed is high, but inconsistent.

Advantages of HAWT

Tall tower captures more wind with varying wind shear.
High reliability.
Blades can be bent using a gearbox to optimize wind attack angle.
Rotor can be tilted by blades during storms.

Disadvantages of HAWT

Only available in large sizes, challenging for distributed generation.
Difficult to transport due to large size and weight.
Requires a stronger structure to support heavy generator and gearbox.
Installation and maintenance are difficult due to tall tower and heavy turbines.
Noise from HAWT is high compared to other wind turbines.
Heavy machinery is required for design and manufacturing.

Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine

Main rotor shaft is set transverse to the wind, with components located at the base.
Allows for easy service and repair due to generator and gearbox location.
No need for wind-sensing and orientation mechanisms.
Bernoulli's relation describes the aerodynamic lift generated by air pressure difference.

HAWT Requirements

Installation site should not be too close to residents, but have sufficient power and transport infrastructure.
Site should experience high wind speeds (often found in upland areas).
Minimum wind speed of 12-14 km/h to start rotating and generating electricity.
Strong winds (50-60 km/h) to generate at full capacity.
Average commercial wind turbine requires approximately 1.5 acres of land for the turbine itself.
Construction and installation require 25-40 acres of land.
Turbine blade length is approximately 40 meters, and the tower length is approximately 80 meters.

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Description

Explore the advantages and disadvantages of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT) including their high reliability, ability to capture more wind, and better performance under stormy conditions. Understand why HAWTs are challenging to use in distributed generation and come only in large sizes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT)

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