Contemporary wind generators

CITATION: Akuru, U. B. & Kamper, M. J. 2015. Contemporary wind generators. Journal of Energy in Southern Africa, 26(3):116-124.The original publication is available at http://www.scielo.org.zaIt is believed that wind energy is growing at a very rapid rate, especially in the last few years. When compared with other sources of renewable energy in the energy portfolio, it becomes evident that the bulk is wind energy-based. However, there are some backlogs to full manifestation of this technology ranging from initial high cost to performance and reliability issues, among others. But in spite of these bottlenecks, new research trends have been assertive in seeking out a sustainable solution for harnessing wind energy for power generation -especially in the design and construction of wind generators. In order to motivate and prime a sustainable energy mix among stakeholders, this paper is a shot at appraising the theory of these innovative wind generators towards ecological sustainability, economy, efficiency, and employment creation.http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_abstract&pid=S1021-447X2015000300013&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=enPublisher's versio