11


WIND TURBINES 11.1 Vocabulary linking ideas A Look at the diagram on the opposite page.


1 Name the four main factors affecting wind turbine design.


2 Discuss how each factor might affect design. 3 Give more examples of each factor.


B Study the linking words and phrases in box a. 1 Put them into two groups for: a discussing reasons and results b building an argument


2 Is each linking word used to join ideas: a within a sentence? b between sentences?


3 Can you think of similar linking words?


4 Put the linking words in question 1b in a suitable order to list points in support of an argument.


C Study the words in box b.


1 Sort the words into two groups according to whether they are concerned with machines or with control.


2 In pairs, explain your decisions.


3 Are the words nouns, verbs or adjectives? What is their stress pattern?


4 What other words or phrases have the same meaning?


D Read the text on the right.


1 Complete each space with a word or phrase from box a or box b. Change the form if necessary.


2 Can you think of other words or phrases with the same meaning as the blue words?


3 Match the phrases below with a later phrase that refers back to them.


Example: wind turbine – machine/device/structure


aerodynamics engineering electricity


E Study the photographs and descriptions on the opposite page.


1 Match each device 1–9 with a description a–i.


2 Choose two of the devices to compare and contrast. Discuss in pairs.


86 b a


another point as a result of this


because finally firstly for example in addition moreover one result is secondly since so thirdly


alter apparatus control device


effect engineered govern influence instrument limit machine mechanism regulation structural


The use of wind energy to provide motive power clearly goes back to ancient times. Even the wind turbine itself is more than 120 years old, according to Dale E. Berg. The basic technology is, therefore, simple. In reality, however, it is not easy to design and build a machine that is both efficient and durable. , wind turbines are


by


aerodynamics, and the science of this area can be complicated.


are spinning. , the forces acting on a wind


turbine are more difficult to understand and model than those of aeroplane wings, because the blades in the


that affects


the aerodynamics is the size of a wind turbine. , constructing wind turbines involves some


complex engineering in order to ensure safety and durability and,


, to provide maximum power output as the wind speed changes.


all of these control systems need to be cost-effective, which is difficult given the nature of wind energy. , the electricity generated by the wind


turbine has to be connected to the grid so the power can be used in the most efficient way. wind turbine is a large structure.


, a , the design must be acceptable to the general public.


Source: Berg, D. E. (1996). Vertical-axis wind turbines – the current status of an old technology. Retrieved from http://www.osti.gov/bridge/servlets/purl/432928-xZkiEJ/ webviewable


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