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Wind Turbine Machine Models

Wind Turbine Machine Models

In the growing field of wind energy, incorporating wind turbine models into transient stability analysis is essential. Induction and synchronous machines are the primary models used, with induction machines being prevalent due to their simplicity and reliability.
Induction machines interact through the rotating magnetic field generated by the stator and the rotor. The key parameter is slip, which is the difference between synchronous speed and rotor speed relative to synchronous speed. Slip is...

Faraday Disk Dynamo

Faraday Disk Dynamo

A Faraday disk dynamo is a DC generator, producing an emf that is constant in time. It consists of a conducting disk that rotates with a constant angular velocity in the magnetic field, perpendicular to the disk's plane. The rotation of the disk causes a change in magnetic flux, which induces an emf, causing opposite charges to develop on the rim and in the center of the disk. The polarity of the induced emf can be determined by the direction of the magnetic field and the direction of the...

Induced Electric Fields: Applications

Induced Electric Fields: Applications

An important distinction exists between the electric field induced by a changing magnetic field and the electrostatic field produced by a fixed charge distribution. Specifically, the induced electric field is nonconservative because it does not work in moving a charge over a closed path. In contrast, the electrostatic field is conservative and does no net work over a closed path. Hence, electric potential can be associated with the electrostatic field but not the induced field. The following...

Energy Carried By Electromagnetic Waves

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Anyone who has used a microwave oven knows there is energy in electromagnetic waves. Sometimes, this energy is obvious, such as in the summer sun's warmth. At other times, it is subtle, such as the unfelt energy of gamma rays, which can destroy living cells. Electromagnetic waves bring energy into a system through their electric and magnetic fields. These fields can exert forces and move charges in the system and, thus, do work on them. However, there is energy in an electromagnetic wave,...

Design Example: Calculating Safe Diameter for Wind-Exposed Disc

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Assessing safety in wind-exposed installations is crucial to preventing potential failures. This example explores the calculation and design adjustments needed to mount a circular disc on a building facade, where wind forces are a primary concern. A 4-meter diameter disc was initially designed as an aesthetic feature facing winds at a velocity of 25 meters per second, with an air density of 1.25 kilograms per cubic meter. Given these conditions, the drag force on the disc was determined using...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Structural Design and Manufacturing of a Cruiser Class Solar Vehicle

Structural Design and Manufacturing of a Cruiser Class Solar Vehicle

Published on: January 30, 2019

Invited article: Electric solar wind sail: toward test missions.

P Janhunen¹, P K Toivanen, J Polkko

¹Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki FIN-00100, Finland. pekka.janhunen@fmi.fi

The Review of Scientific Instruments

|December 8, 2010

Summary

The electric solar wind sail (E-sail) offers revolutionary space propulsion by using solar wind. This technology could enable efficient solar system travel with advanced designs and simulations.

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Structural Design and Manufacturing of a Cruiser Class Solar Vehicle

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Experimental Methods for Efficient Solar Hydrogen Production in Microgravity Environment

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Area of Science:

Space propulsion technologies
Plasma physics and engineering
Aerospace engineering

Background:

The electric solar wind sail (E-sail) is a novel propulsion concept leveraging solar wind dynamic pressure for thrust.
It utilizes long, thin, conductive tethers held at a high positive potential by an electron gun.
The E-sail's efficiency stems from its ability to create a large effective area, vastly exceeding the physical wire size.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the ongoing technical development of the electric solar wind sail (E-sail).
To cover key aspects including tether construction, mechanical design, and control strategies.
To present findings from dynamical and orbital simulations for E-sail applications.

Main Methods:

Review of current research and development in E-sail technology.
Analysis of tether materials and construction techniques.
Exploration of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) strategies.
Dynamical and orbital simulations to assess performance.

Main Results:

An E-sail with 1 N thrust and 100 kg mass is estimated to be feasible in the near future.
The E-sail concept offers a revolutionary level of propulsive performance (specific acceleration).
Simulations indicate high potential for efficient solar system travel.

Conclusions:

The E-sail represents a promising advancement in space propulsion.
Continued technical development is crucial for realizing its potential.
E-sail technology could significantly enhance solar system exploration capabilities.