LO19: Explain how yawing ensures that the turbine faces on-coming wind

Question 1

Describe what yawing involves

Answer 1

Ensures that the wind turbine faces into the wind so that maximum energy is extracted from the wind

Question 2

How does passive yawing operate? What are its advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 2

Passive yawing operates through the use of a wind vane which aligns the turbine with wind direction.

Advantage - No external forces have to be provided to turn the nacelle.

Disadvantage - Doesn’t suit large scale wind turbines as there would be too much money lost.

Question 3

How does active yawing work? What are its advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 3

The main purpose of this arrangement is to move the nacelle and blades according to the wind direction. Active yawing includes an anonometer and wind vane. Unlike passive yawing this includes external forces.

Advantage -beneficial long term investment

Disadvantage - Higher initial cost.