Wind power varies with the intensity of the wind. This is usually measured on the Beaufort scale, which takes into account the effects of wind speed on the surrounding environment, smoke, trees, buildings, etc.. This scale ranges from 0 to 12, in the following table:
|
Scale |
Wind |
Average speed in Km/h |
Description of effects |
|
0 |
Calm |
1 |
Smoke rises vertically |
|
1 |
Breeze |
3 |
Smoke shows wind direction |
|
2 |
Light Breeze |
9 |
SFeel the wind in the face, the leaves move |
|
3 |
Bonny breeze |
16 |
Leaves and twigs in constant agitation |
|
4 |
Moderate breeze |
24 |
Raises dust and loose papers |
|
5 |
Fresh breeze |
34 |
Stir shrubs with leaves |
|
6 |
Strong breeze |
44 |
Large branches in motion |
|
7 |
Moderate winds |
56 |
Stir whole trees |
|
8 |
Fresh wind |
68 |
Break, small tree branches |
|
9 |
Strong wind |
81 |
Minor damage to buildings |
|
10 |
Temporal |
95 |
Trees uprooted |
|
11 |
Storm |
110 |
Widespread damage |
|
12 |
Hurricane |
Above 121 |
Devastatio |
Wind turbines must be designed to withstand high winds without damage. On the horizontal axis machines the problem is most pressing.
Some have passive protection systems, deviating a bit of wind direction or leaning back. Thus they continue to work but without reaching too high rotational speeds. When the wind strength decreases back to its normal position.
Others have braking systems that come into operation at very high speeds.
The most sophisticated automated systems that do have to vary the angle of attack of the blades, reducing aerodynamic drag to increase and thereby reduce the speed, etc..
Of course if the wind has very high intensities in the order of hundreds of km/h, as in hurricanes, there is no protection system that resists! In these situations, the power of nature destroys everything!
Take this opportunity to illustrate with a video of my turbine to be subjected to moderate and strong winds.
Some have passive protection systems, deviating a bit of wind direction or leaning back. Thus they continue to work but without reaching too high rotational speeds. When the wind strength decreases back to its normal position.
Others have braking systems that come into operation at very high speeds.
The most sophisticated automated systems that do have to vary the angle of attack of the blades, reducing aerodynamic drag to increase and thereby reduce the speed, etc..
Of course if the wind has very high intensities in the order of hundreds of km/h, as in hurricanes, there is no protection system that resists! In these situations, the power of nature destroys everything!
Take this opportunity to illustrate with a video of my turbine to be subjected to moderate and strong winds.
