Wind turbines are rotary mechanical devices that convert kinetic energy from the wind into useful work. They are widely used to drive generators for electricity production. In general, they are turbomachines, and can also be employed as pumps, compressors and, in some instances, used as wind-driven motors. Wind turbine installations are found both on land, and offshore on lakes and oceans. Their average lifespan exceeds 25 years.
Wind turbines come in many sizes ranging from a few kilowatts to as large as several megawatts. The smallest turbines are used for applications such as water pumping, grain grinding, battery charging, and powering traffic warning signs. Turbines that are slightly larger can be used for domestic power supply purposes. Larger wind turbines can be grouped together into wind farms to provide bulk power to the electrical grid.
According to a report by BCC Research, the global market for wind turbines is estimated to reach $71.2 billion by 2022. This IP landscape report provides insights into the currently active patents addressing the technologies and applications related to Wind Turbines.
