Wind Power Research

Research advances have helped drop the cost of energy from the wind dramatically during the last 20 years. Research is carried out by research labs, universities, and utility organizations.

Advanced Wind Turbines
Advanced wind turbines will incorporate the latest components and reduce the cost of energy from wind to 2.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (in 15 mile per hour winds).

Aerodynamics
The aerodynamic forces acting on wind turbines are extremely complex. Researchers continue to study the aerodynamic behavior of wind turbines.

Computer Models
Computer models are used to predict wind turbine performance and aid in design.

Multimegawatt Turbines
The trend in utility-scale turbines is to build larger machines, some a megawatt or more.

Structural Dynamics
During design, engineers analyze the dynamic performance of the entire wind turbine and its components.

Testing
New turbine models are tested to make sure they perform as expected. Testing is also a requirement for wind turbine certification. Structural, noise (also called acoustic), and performance tests are commonly performed on new turbine models.

Utility Integration
Utilities are gaining experience operating wind energy plants and integrating them into their electric grid.

Wind Forecasting
The ability to accurately forecast the wind would allow utilities to use more wind energy to replace conventional energy.

Wind Turbine Components
Advances in wind turbine components promise to increase productivity and lower costs. Technologies under development include airfoils developed specifically for wind turbines, sophisticated control systems that respond to complex operating environments, innovative generators (operating at variable or low speeds) that may replace commonly used induction generators, and new types of rotors.