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There are two main types of wind turbines: horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) and vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs).
HAWTs are the most common type of wind turbine and usually have two or three long, thin blades.
Wind turbine blades are made from fiberglass using a mold, similar to how many yachts and boats are made. The "root end" of the blade is a composite of fiberglass embedded with metal blocks, each containing a female thread.
Some other types of wind turbines are: Airborne wind turbine: A conceptual design for wind turbines that has rotor support at high altitudes. This results in higher velocity and persistence in wind energy while avoiding the expenses of tower construction. Darrieus wind turbine: A type of VAWT used to generate electricity from wind energy. The turbine consists of a number of curved aerofoil blades mounted on a rotating shaft or framework. Floating wind turbine: A type of offshore wind turbine that is supported by a floating foundation. The wind turbine can produce power thanks to the mounting construction in water depths where a stable base is impractical. Giromill: A type of VAWT that consists of three straight blades which are represented by airfoils that are connected to the rotating main shaft.
Related: Renewable Energy Practice Test: Wind Turbine Aerodynamics
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