A group of wind turbines interconnected to a common utility system through a system of transformers, distribution lines, and (usually) one substation. Operation, control, and maintenance functions are often centralized through a network of computerized mo ...

The process of characterizing the wind resource, and its energy potential, for a specific site or geographical area.

A diagram that indicates the average percentage of time that the wind blows from different directions, on a monthly or annual basis.

The rate of flow of the wind undisturbed by obstacles.

A graph that indicates the distribution of wind speeds as a function of the cumulative number of hours that the wind speed exceeds a given wind speed in a year.

A curve that indicates the number of hours per year that specific wind speeds occur.

A profile of how the wind speed changes with height above the surface of the ground or water.

A term used for a wind energy conversion device that produces electricity; typically having one, two, or three blades.

The amount of power a wind turbine can produce at its rated wind speed, e.g., 100 kW at 20 mph. The rated wind speed generally corresponds to the point at which the conversion efficiency is near its maximum. Because of the variability of the wind, the amo ...

The wind speed and direction in an undisturbed flow.

A WECS that is used to grind grain, and that typically has a high-solidity rotor; commonly used to refer to all types of WECS.

A generic term for a glazed opening that allows daylight to enter into a building and can be opened for ventilation.

A graph representing the relationship between the power available from the wind and the wind speed. The power from the wind increases proportionally with the cube of the wind speed.

The change in the power available in the wind due to changes in the windspeed or velocity profile; the windpower profile is proportional to the cube of the wind speed profile.

A building structural element that is built onto a building's exterior along the inner edges of all the windows, and extending from the ground to the eaves. Wingwalls help ventilate rooms that have only one exterior wall which leads to poor cross ventilat ...

A generic term for an electrical conductor.

A wood-burning appliance for space and/or water heating and/or cooking.

A fluid used to absorb and transfer heat energy.

A type of motor that has a rotor with electrical windings connected through slip rings to the external power circuit. An external resistance controller in the rotor circuit allows the performance of the motor to be tailored to the needs of the system and ...

The rotation of a horizontal axis wind turbine around its tower or vertical axis.