College of Engineering Taif University

Master Program

Wind Energy
(802806-3)
Dr. Ibrahim B. M. Taha
 Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Components
❑ Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) are the
predominant type of wind turbine used for
generating electricity from wind energy.

❑ They feature a horizontal rotor axis with blades

that rotate around a vertical shaft to convert the
wind's kinetic energy into mechanical energy,
which powers an electrical generator.

❑ Comprehending the components of a HAWT is

crucial for individuals engaged in designing,
installing, operating, or maintaining wind turbines.

❑ This section offers an overview of the essential

components of a HAWT and their functions in the
energy conversion process.
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 Main Components
1 Rotor
The rotor is the core component of a wind turbine, converting wind
energy into mechanical energy. It consists of rotating blades that
capture wind power.

2 Nacelle
The nacelle, located at the top of the tower, contains essential
components for energy conversion, including the gearbox, generator,
and control systems. This positioning enables easy access for
maintenance and repairs.

3 Tower
The tower serves as the structural backbone of the wind turbine,
supporting the nacelle and rotor. It is usually constructed from steel
to endure high winds and heavy loads.

4 Foundation
The foundation is a critical component of a wind turbine, securely
anchoring it to the ground to ensure stability and resistance against [Link]

varying wind and soil conditions.

 Main Degrees of Freedom
❑ A Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) has three
main degrees of freedom (DOF) to control its
movements.
❑ These DOFs are critical for performance, stability, and
longevity.
❑ These mechanisms help the turbine adjust its orientation
and blade pitch to optimize energy capture and protect
the system from changing wind conditions.
❑ This ensures maximum wind energy capture and
prevents damage from excessive forces.
❑ The Three DOF are Yaw, Pitch, and Azimuth.
❑ In the next slides a detailed description of these three
angles are discussed and described.
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 Main Degrees of Freedom
1. Yaw Angle
• Definition: Rotation of the nacelle (housing the generator and
drivetrain) around the vertical axis of the tower to align the rotor
with the wind direction.
• Illustration:
o A curved arrow wrapping around the tower base, showing
clockwise/counterclockwise rotation.
o Wind vanes or sensors on the nacelle detect wind direction
changes.
• Practical Example:
o If wind shifts from north to east, the yaw drive rotates the
nacelle to face east, ensuring the rotor captures maximum
energy.
o Failure Example: Persistent yaw misalignment (e.g., due to a
faulty yaw motor) can reduce power output by 10–20%.
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 Main Degrees of Freedom
2. Pitch Angle
• Definition: Rotation of blades around their longitudinal
axis to adjust their angle of attack (AoA) relative to the
wind.
• Illustration:
o Arrows along the blade span showing twisting motion
(e.g., "pitch-to-feather" in high winds).
o Each blade has an independent pitch actuator (explaining
the repeated "Pitch" labels in your figure).
• Practical Example:
o During a storm, blades pitch to a 90° "feathered"
position, minimizing lift and stopping rotation to avoid
damage.
o In low winds, blades pitch to a 0–5° AoA to maximize lift
and energy capture. [Link]
 Main Degrees of Freedom
3. Azimuth Angle
• Definition: The rotational position of the rotor blades as they
spin around the horizontal axis (often measured in degrees from
a reference point, e.g., 0° = blade pointing upward).
• Illustration:
o A circular diagram around the rotor hub with labeled angles
(0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) and blades rotating clockwise.
o Arrows showing cyclic gravitational and aerodynamic loads
as blades move through different azimuth positions.
• Practical Example:
o At 0° (blade vertically upward), the blade experiences
maximum wind speed and lift.
o At 180° (blade vertically downward), it encounters turbulence
from the tower’s "wind shadow," causing asymmetric loads.
o Design Impact: Blades are reinforced at the root to handle
cyclic stress from azimuthal variations. [Link]
 Main Degrees of Freedom
Interaction of the Three Angles
• Scenario: Turbine operation in gusty winds.
1. Yaw System: Detects wind direction shift and aligns the rotor.
2. Pitch System: Adjusts blade angles to regulate rotor speed and torque.
3. Azimuth Position: Determines load distribution (e.g., blades at 90° and 270° experience maximum edgewise bending
due to gravity).
• Example of Synergy:
o During partial load, blades pitch to optimize AoA based on their azimuth position to minimize fatigue (e.g., reducing
pitch angle when a blade is downward to mitigate tower shadow effects).
Common Issues & Engineering Solutions
1. Yaw-Pitch Lag:
o Problem: Slow yaw response causes misalignment while blades are pitching.
o Solution: Use LiDAR systems to predict wind direction and pre-adjust yaw/pitch.
2. Azimuth-Dependent Vibrations:
o Problem: Cyclic loads at specific azimuth angles cause tower oscillations.
o Solution: Install dampers or use active pitch control synchronized with the azimuth position.
3. Pitch Asymmetry:
o Problem: Uneven pitch angles across blades (e.g., due to actuator faults) create imbalance. [Link]

o Solution: Redundant pitch actuators and real-time monitoring systems.

 Main Degrees of Freedom Ranges
1. Yaw Angle
• Range:
o Operational Range: Typically, ±180° (total 360° range) from a reference position.
o Technical Capability: Modern turbines can rotate continuously (360°+), but they avoid excessive rotation
to prevent cable twisting. A slip ring allows unlimited yaw in theory, but incremental adjustments are
common.
• Example:
o If wind shifts from north to south, the nacelle yaws 180° to realign.
o Yaw systems typically rotate at 0.3–0.6° per second to minimize mechanical stress.

2. Pitch Angle
• Range:
o Normal Operation: 0° to 30° (0° = blade feathered/stopped, 30° = optimal lift for power generation).
o Extreme Conditions: Up to 90° (fully feathered) to stall the blade and halt rotation in storms.
o Startup/Shutdown: Some turbines use negative pitch angles (-5° to 0°) to initiate rotation in low winds.
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 Main Degrees of Freedom Ranges
2. Pitch angle Continue:
• Example:
o At 12 m/s wind speed, blades pitch to 5° for maximum efficiency.
o During a storm, blades pitch to 90° to stop spinning and prevent damage.

3. Azimuth Angle
• Range: 0° to 360°, cyclical as the rotor spins.
o 0°: Blade pointing vertically upward.
o 90°: Blade horizontal to the right (direction of rotation).
o 180°: Blade pointing downward (experiences turbulence from the tower’s "wind shadow").
o 270°: Blade horizontal to the left.
• Example:
o At 0° azimuth, a blade experiences maximum lift due to unobstructed wind flow.
o At 180° azimuth, the blade encounters reduced wind speed due to tower shadow, requiring pitch
adjustments to balance loads. [Link]
 Rotor Components
❑ The rotor is a crucial component of a horizontal-axis
wind turbine, responsible for capturing wind energy
and converting it into mechanical energy.
❑ It comprises blades, a hub, spinner, and pitch bearing
systems.

❑ The blades are the primary components that interact

with the wind, utilizing their aerodynamic design to
capture the wind's kinetic energy and convert it into
rotational force.
❑ The hub serves as the central connection point for the
blades, linking the rotor to the drivetrain.
❑ The spinner acts as an aerodynamic cap, reducing
drag on the rotor. [Link]
 Turbine Blade
❑ The blades are the most visible and essential components of a wind turbine as
they convert the wind's kinetic energy into rotational mechanical energy. They
capture the wind's energy and transfer it to the rotor, which drives the generator
and optimizes the aerodynamic performance of the turbine.
❑ The design and materials of wind turbine blades have evolved significantly,
with modern blades typically made of lightweight yet strong composites like
fiberglass and carbon fiber.
❑ The choice of materials directly affects the turbine's efficiency, weight, and
fatigue life.
❑ The number of blades on a wind turbine can influence its performance and
cost.
❑ While single and two-bladed turbines are used in specific applications, three-
blade rotors are the standard for large turbines.
❑ The number of blades impacts the turbine's rotational speed and acoustic noise
levels.
❑ Turbines with fewer blades operate at higher speeds, reducing gearbox costs
but increasing acoustic noise, especially in populated areas.
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 Nacelle with Drivetrain and Power Electronics
❑ The nacelle is a crucial component of a wind turbine, housing the drivetrain and power electronics. It is located
at the top of the tower and supports the rotor, connecting it to the ground. Inside the nacelle are the gearbox,
generator, rotor brake, and other components that convert wind energy into electricity.
❑ The drivetrain transfers power from the rotor to the generator, with the gearbox increasing the speed of the low-
speed rotor shaft.
❑ The generator then converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy.
❑ Power electronics are responsible for managing and regulating the electricity generated by the wind turbine,
ensuring smooth and efficient operation.

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 Gearbox

Speed Mismatch Gearbox Conversion Ratio Gear Ratio Calculation

The rotor of a large three- A gearbox is necessary to The gearbox ratio is calculated
blade wind turbine operates at convert the slow speed of the by dividing the rated speed of
a slower speed (6-20 rpm) turbine rotor to the high speed the generator by the rated speed
compared to a standard 4- or required by the generator. The of the turbine.
6-pole wind generator. The gearbox conversion ratio (rgb),
generator needs to reach a also referred to as the gear
speed of 1500 or 1000 rpm ratio, aligns the high-speed
for a 50 Hz stator frequency, generator with the low-speed
and 1800 or 1200 rpm for a turbine blades.
60 Hz stator frequency.

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 Gearbox
Multi-Stage Gearbox Noise and Efficiency Cost Considerations
Wind turbine gearboxes are designed The gearbox produces a significant The gearbox is a crucial and costly
with multiple stages to achieve the amount of noise due to the meshing of component of a wind turbine,
high conversion ratio required individual teeth. However, it impacting both initial investment and
between the rotor and generator. This maintains a high-efficiency level, maintenance expenses. Choosing a
is necessary because the rotor speed is typically ranging from 95% to 98%. reliable and efficient gearbox is
much lower than the generator speed. essential for optimal turbine
For instance, a rotor spinning at 15 performance and economic
rpm may require a 100:1 gear ratio to sustainability.
synchronize with a 4-pole, 50 Hz
induction generator.

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 Rotor Brake
Location and Function Braking Mechanisms
The rotor brake is usually installed on the high- Hydraulic and electromechanical disc brakes are
speed shaft between the gearbox and the generator. commonly used in wind turbines to handle low braking
Its purpose is to stop the turbine rotor in high-speed torque on the high-speed shaft.
winds or to secure the turbine in a parked position
during maintenance.

Braking Process Safety and Standards

Aerodynamic power control is employed to The mechanical brake must bring the turbine rotor to a
decrease turbine speed before engaging the complete stop at any wind speed, as per standards like
mechanical brake, which helps to lessen wear on the IEC61400-1. It serves as a failsafe in case the
brake and alleviate strain on the drivetrain during aerodynamic power control malfunctions.
braking.

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 Wind Generator Types
❑ Wind generators are crucial in converting mechanical energy into
electrical energy in wind energy systems.

❑ They are essential components of Wind Energy Conversion

Systems (WECS) and the choice of generator type is key to
system design and performance.

❑ The selection of generator type depends on the system's scale and

specific requirements. Various types of generators, such as
Squirrel Cage Induction Generators (SCIG), Doubly Fed
Induction Generators (DFIG), and Synchronous Generators (SG)
with wound rotors or permanent magnets, are used in wind
energy systems.

❑ These generators can produce power from a few kilowatts to

several megawatts. The main types are DFIGs and SCIGs.

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 Wind Generator Types
❑ The SCIG is a cost-effective and low-maintenance wind turbine technology.
❑ Traditional grid-connected wind energy systems use SCIGs that operate at a fixed speed, with some
featuring two-speed SCIGs for adjustable pole pairs. SCIGs are utilized in variable-speed wind energy
systems, with the largest systems reaching 3.5 MW in offshore wind farms.
❑ The DFIG is widely used in the wind energy industry, with the stator directly connected to the grid and the
rotor interfaced through a power converter system.
❑ DFIGs are preferred in wind energy conversion systems (WECS) for their cost-effectiveness and compact
design, using a reduced-capacity converter for power control.
❑ SGs are suitable for direct-drive wind turbines, eliminating the need for a gearbox.
❑ Both Wound Rotor Synchronous Generators (WRSGs) and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators
(PMSGs) are employed in wind energy systems.
❑ PMSGs offer higher efficiency and power density compared to WRSGs, making them increasingly popular
in direct-drive turbines.

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Yaw Drive Overview
❑ The yaw drive system is
essential for maximizing
the energy output of a wind
turbine by ensuring it
always faces directly into
the wind to capture the
most kinetic energy with its
blades.
❑ This system includes
electric motors, a yaw gear,
a gear rim, and a bearing
assembly to rotate the
nacelle and align the
turbine blades with the
wind direction.

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 Yaw Drive Details
❑ The yaw drive system utilizes planetary gear to regulate the rotation
speed of the yaw gear, ensuring accurate control of the nacelle's
movement.
❑ This system is crucial for aligning the wind turbine with the wind
direction to optimize energy production.
❑ The motors in the yaw drive work in sync, following the same
commands and locking in place once the turbine is correctly
positioned.

❑ The yaw system typically needs to generate a substantial torque,

ranging from 10,000 to 70,000 Nm, to effectively rotate the nacelle.
❑ This torque is necessary to overcome the inertia of the heavy
nacelle and rotor, enabling smooth and efficient yawing.
❑ The specific torque requirements vary based on the wind turbine's
size and design.
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 Towers and Foundations
❑ The tower is a crucial part of a wind energy system, supporting the nacelle and turbine
rotor. It is designed to withstand wind loads, gravity, and vibrations from the rotating
blades.
❑ Towers are typically made of steel for strength, but concrete or hybrid designs are also
used. The height of the tower depends on the turbine size, rotor diameter, and wind
conditions. Taller towers capture more wind and minimize turbulence from nearby
obstacles.

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 Types of Foundations
Slab Foundations Multiple Foundations
Slab foundations are a common type of foundation for Multiple foundations are used for larger wind
on-land wind turbines. They are typically used for turbines and on sites with less stable soil conditions.
smaller turbines and on sites with stable soil They consist of multiple concrete columns that
conditions. Slab foundations are poured in place on the support the tower. Multiple foundations are more
ground and can be made of concrete or reinforced expensive than slab foundations but offer greater
concrete. stability.

Monopile Foundations
Monopile foundations are commonly
used for offshore wind turbines.
These foundations are large, steel
cylinders that are driven into the
seabed. Monopile foundations are
typically used in shallow water
depths.

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 Onshore Concrete Gravitation
Foundations
❑ Concrete gravitation foundations are the most
common type of foundation for onshore wind
turbines.
❑ They are large, heavy, and stable structures, with
minimal excavation required.
❑ They are constructed directly on the ground and
consist of a massive concrete base that provides the
necessary weight and stability to support the wind
turbine.

❑ The concrete is poured in place, and the foundation

is typically designed to be able to withstand the
forces exerted by the wind turbine, including the
weight of the turbine, the forces generated by the
wind, and the forces generated by the yaw system.

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 Wind Sensors
❑ Wind turbines utilize sensors to measure important
parameters like wind speed and direction, which
are essential for controlling the turbine's operation.

❑ Wind speed measurements help determine the

blade angle for optimal energy extraction, while
wind direction measurements ensure the turbine is
positioned to capture maximum power.

❑ The wind speed sensor is usually a three-cup

anemometer that rotates with the wind and is
measured by an optoelectronic transducer.
❑ The wind direction sensor is a vane that also
rotates with the wind, and its position is measured
by a potentiometer.

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 Wind Sensors
❑ Wind sensors are devices used to measure wind speed and direction. There are various types of wind
sensors, including cup anemometers, sonic anemometers, and wind vans. Cup anemometers consist of
three or more cups that rotate with the wind, measuring its speed. Sonic anemometers use sound waves
to determine wind speed and direction. Wind vanes are used to measure wind direction.
❑ These sensors are commonly used in weather stations, wind turbines, and other applications where
accurate wind data is essential. They help in monitoring weather conditions, optimizing wind turbine
performance, and ensuring safety in various industries. Wind sensors play a crucial role in providing
real-time data for decision-making and improving efficiency in various fields.
Ultrasonic Anemometers
❑ Ultrasonic anemometers are advanced devices used for measuring wind
speed and direction. They utilize ultrasonic sound waves to accurately
determine these parameters.
❑ These anemometers are highly precise and reliable, making them ideal
for various applications such as weather monitoring, environmental
studies, and industrial processes. Their non-contact measurement
method ensures minimal maintenance and long-term stability.
❑ Ultrasonic anemometers are a popular choice for professionals seeking
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accurate and efficient wind monitoring solutions.

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References
❑ Dr. Ehab Elattar “Lectures on Wind Energy”.
❑ Prof. Ibrahim El-mohr, Prof. Ahmed Anas “Lectures on Renewable Energy Systems”.
✓ [Link]
✓ [Link]
✓ J. F. Manwell and J. G. McGowan, “Wind Energy Explained, Theory, Design and Application”,
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, USA A. L. Rogers DNV –
Global Energy Concepts, Washington, USA Second Edition, 2009.
✓ [Link]
✓ [Link] ‫مهم‬
✓ [Link] ‫مهم‬

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