Glossary
Wind Turbines. Evolution, Basic Principles and Potential for Conversion

Aero-elasticity; aeroelasticity

Scientific field dealing with the interactions between various aerodynamic forces and structural response.

Aerogenerator; wind turbine

A machine that generates electricity by transforming the energy in the air, grouped with other forms of production under the French term éolienne.

Upstream/downstream; upwind/downwind

Considering the wind direction, the downstream configuration is characterized by a rotor located behind the mast, while the upstream configuration is characterized by a rotor located in front of the mast.

Attaque directe; direct drive

A term used to describe machine architectures without gearboxes, where the rotor and generator rotate at the same speed, as opposed to the concept with gearbox, Gear Drive, required when using a fast-rotating generator.

Coefficient de puissance; power coefficient