Title: M2L3 Glossary
Course: WIND 100WH Introduction to Wind Energy > Section: WIND 100WH Introduction to Wind Energy

M2L3 Glossary

Terms

Term | Definitions
active control | controlling turbine operation by electronic control system functions and programmable devices.
Betz limit | the upper limit of energy any wind turbine can extract from moving air at maximum efficiency, 16/27 or around 59%
Betz, Albert | a German physicist who determined the energy extraction limit that now bears his name.
closed-loop control | the use of feedback sensors in a system to control operations without the need for constant outside intervention
coefficients | factors in mathematical formulas that account for relationships in the process being described; coefficients are unit-less
control system | device/s that keep the system working safely and efficiently.
driver | a device that can control/activate another device using its own power source.
passive control | a system that does not use active control systems, rather mechanical and specific design systems for control.
performance | conducting an action; in wind energy often a term to describe how well a system does its job
pitch actuators, electrical | a blade pitch control system that is actuated by motor drives.
pitch actuators, hydraulic | a blade pitch control system that is actuated by hydraulic cylinders.
pitch actuators, mechanical | a blade pitch control system that is actuated by mechanical means.
power availability formula | See the formula below:
set point | the specified point a control loop system basis its actions around.
swept area | See the formula below: