Wind generator

A generator is a device which is used to produce or generate anything. It has capability to take output from any source and then convert this energy to work and hence produce output in any useful form. Wind generator is to covert kinetic energy into mechanical energy which is used to produce electricity, grinding etc.

Types of wind generators- wind generators are distinguished by two bases. First on the basis of axis on which turbines rotates. These are horizontal axis generators and vertical axis generators. Second on the basis of location in which they are used .These are offshore, onshore, aerial wind generators etc.

Horizontal axis generators

In these generators turbine rotates along horizontal axis. Main rotor shaft and generator are mounted on the top of tower and pointed into the wind. In small generators simple wind vane and in large generators wind sensor coupled with a servomotor are used to point them into the wind. They have gearbox to increase the rotation of the blades.

Vertical axis generators

In these generators main rotor shaft rotates along vertical axis. So gearbox can be placed at the bottom of the ground or near the ground without any need to support the tower and turbine to point into the wind. Drawback of this arrangement is that it produces torque during each revolution and hence lower energy extraction efficiency.