Control features for a wind
turbine that control the
turbine over a range of wind speeds and under triggering conditions with reduced
noise, cost, and reliability issues associated with other such controls. Control is accomplished via
control electronics, which adjust the torque produced by the electrical output generation device (e.g.,
alternator) within the wind
turbine. During normal operation, torque is adjusted for optimum aerodynamic performance and maximum output of power. In winds above rated power, the
control circuit regulates torque to lower aerodynamic performance, as necessary to maintain desired
power level output. In triggering conditions, such as during simultaneous
control circuit failure and loss of some portion of the electrical output generation device in extreme winds, wind turbine control is accomplished by increasing torque (e.g., via a separate controller) from the electrical output generation device via shorting of windings, so as to cause retardation of blade rotation.