Chapter 3.1 - Introduction and definition of wind energy

Abstract

This chapter presents an introduction to wind energy showing the main concept of its related systems. Such systems could be found in the form of windmill or wind turbine aiming to grind grain and generate electricity, respectively. The two primary designs of a wind turbine are the horizontal- and vertical-axis wind turbines. The horizontal model is more efficient because it usually requires a yaw mechanism to face the wind. This makes the vertical-axis wind turbine more attractive when there are fast changes in the environment. Modern systems combine both types of turbine models capturing the advantages of horizontal and vertical designs. Additionally, the new wind turbines are designed in a way to reduce their environmental effects (noise pollution, visual impact, and wildlife danger).