What are the common types of wind turbines
The common wind turbines are mainly divided into two categories according to the direction of the wind turbine rotation axis: horizontal axis wind turbines and vertical axis wind turbines, among which the horizontal axis is currently the mainstream application type. The following are the main classifications and characteristics:
1、 Horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT)
The rotation axis of the wind turbine is parallel to the ground, and the blades resemble airplane propellers. More than 95% of the global wind power installed capacity.
Main types:
1. upwind type
The wind turbine rotates in front of the tower facing the wind, requiring a yaw system to counteract the wind.
Advantages: Reduce tower shadow effect (tower interference with airflow), high efficiency.
Disadvantages: It requires a yaw device and has a complex structure.
The vast majority of modern large-scale wind turbines (over 1.5MW) adopt this design.
2. Downwind type
The wind turbine is located behind the tower and can automatically adjust to the wind (without the need for an active yaw system).
Disadvantage: The tower shadow effect causes stress fluctuations in the blades, making them prone to fatigue.
Less commonly used in early or small wind turbines.
2、 Vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)
The rotation axis of the wind turbine is perpendicular to the ground and can capture wind from any direction without the need for a yaw system. At present, it is mainly used for distributed small-scale power generation or special scenarios.
Main types:
Darrieus type
The blades are curved (such as a "Φ" shape) and rotate by aerodynamic lift.
Advantages: High speed and high efficiency.
Disadvantage: Cannot self start, requires auxiliary equipment; The structural stress is high, making it difficult to scale up.
Savonius type
The blades are S-shaped and barrel shaped, driven by wind resistance.
Advantages: High starting torque, easy to start at low wind speeds, simple structure.
Disadvantages: Low efficiency (less than 15%), commonly used in anemometers or small charging devices.
H-shaped (straight blade Darius)
Adopting a combination of straight blades and support rods for easy manufacturing.
In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on building integration or offshore floating wind power testing.
3、 Classified by application scenario and scale
Large grid connected wind turbine
The power is usually ≥ 1MW, with a wind turbine diameter of 80-200 meters, used for wind farms.
The mainstream is the three blade horizontal axis upwind type, with mature technology.
Distributed small and medium-sized wind turbines
Power ≤ 100kW, used in rural areas, communication base stations, farms, etc.
Including horizontal or vertical axes (such as H-type, Savonius type).
offshore wind turbine
Most of them are large horizontal axis wind turbines (5-15MW or more) with special foundation structures (single pile, floating, etc.).
Corrosion and typhoon resistant design are required, resulting in high maintenance costs.
Special fan
Diffuser enhanced type: The hood shaped structure accelerates airflow, improves efficiency, but comes at a high cost.
High altitude wind power: using aerial kites or helium balloons to carry generators, in the experimental stage.
4、 Technological Trends and Emerging Designs
Mega scale: The single unit capacity of offshore wind turbines has reached 15-18MW, with blade lengths exceeding 120 meters.
Floating foundation: suitable for deep-sea wind power, with wind turbines installed on floating platforms.
Hybrid vertical axis design: Combining the advantages of lift and drag, it improves starting performance and efficiency.
Intelligence: Utilizing sensors and AI algorithms to optimize yaw and blade angles, adapting to complex wind conditions.
5、 Summary and Comparison
1. Three bladed horizontal axis wind turbine
Advantages: Wind energy conversion efficiency is the highest (up to 50% or more), the technology is extremely mature, the scale and economy are the best, and it is currently the absolute mainstream of large-scale wind power projects.
Disadvantages: It requires a precise yaw system to align with the wind direction, with relatively high noise, high maintenance costs (especially for large units), and high technical requirements.
Main applications: centralized onshore wind farms, offshore wind farms (current and future core models).
2. Vertical axis wind turbine - Dario type
Advantages: It can capture wind from any direction without the need for a yaw system. The generator and other equipment can be placed on the ground for easy maintenance, and the noise during operation is relatively low.
Disadvantages: The overall efficiency is lower than that of a horizontal axis fan, and it usually cannot start automatically. When it becomes larger, the structural stress challenge is greater, and the degree of commercialization is low.
Main applications: small-scale distributed power generation, building integrated wind power, experimental projects, and special environments.
3. Vertical axis wind turbine - Savonius type
Advantages: High starting torque, able to start even under low wind speed and turbulent flow, very simple and sturdy structure, low manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Disadvantages: The wind energy conversion efficiency is very low (usually less than 20%), and the speed is slow.
Main applications: Small charging devices, ventilation aids, wind speed measuring instruments, and other low-power scenarios.
In summary, the three bladed horizontal axis wind turbine dominates the global wind power market due to its high efficiency and mature industrial chain. Vertical axis wind turbines, especially the Dario type, have been continuously researched and explored in distributed, miniaturized, and special application scenarios due to their unique advantages, and are an important supplement to the diversified development of wind power technology.
