Wind Turbine Glossary

Wind Turbine Glossary Anemometer: Measures the wind speed and transmits wind speed data to the controller. Blades: Most turbines have either two or three blades. Wind blowing over the blades causes the blades to "lift" and rotate. Brake: A disc brake, which can be applied mechanically, electrically, or hydraulically to stop the rotor in emergencies. Controller: The controller starts up the machine at wind speeds of about 8 to 16 miles per hour (mph) and shuts off …

…It would take a forest of 90 million to 175 million trees to provide the same air quality. What are the disadvantages of wind generated electricity? Although wind power plants have little impact on the environment compared to other conventional power plants, there is some concern over the noise produced by the rotor blades, visual impacts, and sometimes birds have been killed by flying into the rotors. Most of these problems have been resolved or greatly reduced.