Wind Power Technologies Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a wind turbine's pitch control system?

Answer: Adjust blade angle to optimize power output and prevent overspeed

Pitch control adjusts the angle of attack of rotor blades to maximize energy capture at low winds and limit power at high winds to prevent mechanical damage.

Which wind turbine configuration places the rotor downwind of the tower?

Answer: Downwind turbine

Downwind turbines position the rotor on the lee side of the tower, allowing the rotor to self-align with the wind but experiencing tower shadow effects.

What does the term 'wake effect' refer to in a wind farm context?

Answer: Reduced wind speed and increased turbulence downstream of a turbine

The wake effect describes the turbulent, lower-velocity airflow that exists behind an operating turbine, which reduces energy output of downwind turbines.

A wind turbine rated at 2 MW with a capacity factor of 35% would produce approximately how many MWh annually?

Answer: 6,132 MWh

Annual production = 2 MW × 8,760 hours/year × 0.35 capacity factor = 6,132 MWh.

What is the function of a nacelle in a horizontal-axis wind turbine?

Answer: Houses the gearbox, generator, and drive train components

The nacelle is the enclosure mounted atop the tower that contains the mechanical and electrical components including the gearbox, generator, and control systems.

Which foundation type is most commonly used for offshore wind turbines in shallow water (up to ~30 meters)?

Answer: Monopile

Monopile foundations—single large steel tubes driven into the seabed—are the dominant foundation choice for offshore turbines in water depths up to approximately 30 meters.

What is 'yaw error' in wind turbine operation?

Answer: Misalignment between the rotor axis and wind direction

Yaw error is the angular difference between the rotor's facing direction and the actual wind direction, which reduces energy capture and increases fatigue loads.