Wind Turbine Power

Renewable & Alternative Source of Energy

Wind turbine power is a renewable and alternative source of energy here in North Dakota. North Dakota is ranked # 1 in the whole country, as far as how much the wind blows. I have lived here 20 years, and have never seen the wind not blow more than two days in a row.

Wind turbines can be put into 2 different categories. Turbines that rotate on a horizontal axis, are the most common type used today. Then there is the vertical axis turbines, used far less frequently. They can also be classified by the location in which they are to be used. Onshore, offshore, and aerial wind turbines, all used in their unique way.

The most common and modern wind turbines used today are three bladed, sometimes two-bladed are used. The three blade unit was designed by Danish manufacturers.These have very high tip speeds up to 6X wind speed, high efficiency, and low torque which contributes to being very reliable. This is the type used more by commercial industries to produce power.

We also have what is known as the Darrieus Wind Turbine. These resemble the looks of a egg beater. But do to the large torque ripple, they put way to much stress on the tower and therefore are not as reliable. Also they generally need an additional power source to get it moving. The torque ripple can be reduced by using 3 or more blades.

The Savonius Wind Turbine, is the type with scoop drag-type device used in anemometers and in Flettner vents, usually seen on bus a bus or van roofs. They are self-starting. The Banesh rotor and the Rahai rotor improve the efficiency by shaping the blades to produce more lift as well as drag. More to come on wind turbines a little later on, so stay tuned!
Wilton, North Dakota - Wind Towers

The pictures above were all taken out at the wind farm in Wilton, North Dakota. There are 33 wind towers here generating 1.5 mega watts of power each. It is really a heck of a site to see all theses towers turning, and knowing they are supplying energy to peoples homes, far away from here. A Florida company owns and operates these wind turbines.

Wind Energy of North Dakota

Most of the electricity in North Dakota is produced from coal. Right now the fastest growing technology in the world in wind energy. The best wind resources in the world can be found right here in North Dakota. Technology is changing fast, the costs are beginning to come down, which makes wind power more competitive with other forms of electricity generation.

The wind turbines of today are closely related to the windmills that have been pumping water and running small machinery for generations around America.

The benefits of wind turbine energy includes:

No emissions to harm the atmosphere

Requires minimal amount of space for operations, the surrounding land can be used for other purposes.

Provides lease payments to landowners where wind energy is being produced.

Little or no burden placed on local infrastructure.

Provides tax payments to local government.

Some facts about Wind Turbines of North Dakota:

1.5 megawatt GE wind turbines

Each wind turbine is approximately 213 feet tall.

Each blade is more than 110 feet long.

The amount of real estate being used for these wind turbines is less than 1 acre.

The total weight of each wind turbine is in excess of 190 tons.

Each turbine is designed to operate in winds up to 56 mph.

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Valley Horizon Enterprises - North Dakota Information Guide

Valley City, ND 58072
United States
Phone: 701-840-0185

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