The wind turbine mast and tower
To be effective, a residential wind turbine must capture relatively strong winds. To do this, it must be placed quite high.
Thus, the blades, and sometimes the generator, are located at a height, at the top of a mast or tower: the height can vary from 10 to 35 m.
Installation of blades at height: mast or tower?
There are therefore two types of elements for installing the blades at height:
- the mast,
- the tower.
The wind turbine mast: mainly for horizontal wind turbines
The mast, a rigid vertical element, is generally reserved for horizontal wind turbines.
Resistant, the wind turbine mast must not bend under the wind, and its structure must not be susceptible to rust, fungi, mold... There are 2 types of materials for a wind turbine mast: aluminum or rust-resistant metal.
During design, one starts by deciding whether the mast is mounted on foundations or not:
If the generator is located at the top of the mast, foundations are essential. In other cases, they remain strongly recommended.
Indeed, the foundations ensure the proper anchoring of the mast and therefore of the wind turbine in the ground. Thus, your residential wind turbine is not at risk of being uprooted by the wind.
Good to know: for even more safety, the mast can be secured with stays. This term refers to metal cables that run from the mast to the ground. The strength of the mast is thus reinforced.
The pylon: for both types of wind turbine
Several vertical elements, somewhat like an electric pylon, support the wind turbine. This technique is used for both domestic vertical-axis and horizontal-axis wind turbines.
Just like the mast, the pylon must be well anchored in the ground to withstand the winds.
Moreover, aluminum proves to be an ideal material for construction, as it is resistant and does not fear rust.
The downside of this technique concerns tall domestic wind turbines, as the pylon is not aesthetic, especially when it is tall.
Good to know: whether you choose a mast or a pylon, you must install it on a site clear of any elements that could be damaged within a radius equal to the height of the wind turbine.