Wind Power Terms Glossary

Asynchronous--Not synchronous

Cut-In--The rotational speed at which an alternator or generator starts pushing electricity hard enough (has a high enough voltage) to make electricity flow in a circuit.

Excitation--Using an electric current to create a magnetic field.

Gearing--Using a mechanical system of gears or belts and pulleys to increase or decrease shaft speed. Power losses from friction are inherent in any gearing system.

Generator--A device that produces Direct Current from a rotating shaft.

Hertz--Frequency measurement. See Cycles per Second

Kilowatt--The electrical unit of power that equals 1000 Watts (see Watt)

kW--See Kilowatt.

Megawatt--The electrical unit of power that equals one million Watts (1,000 kW).

MW--see Megawatt.

Permanent Magnet--A material that retains its magnetic properties after an external magnetic field is removed.

Rotor--A part that revolves in a stationary part, the rotating member of an electrical machine.

Synchronous Motor -- An electric motor having a speed strictly proportional to the frequency of the operating current

Torque--Turning force, equal to force times radius. See also Moment.

Turbine--a rotary engine actuated by the reaction or impulse or both of a current of fluid (as water, steam, or air) subject to pressure and usually made with a series of curved vanes on a central rotating spindle.

Wind Turbine--A machine that captures the force of the wind. Called a Wind Generator when used to produce electricity. Called a Windmill when used to crush grain or pump water.

Source www.otherpower.com Feb 2004