In this study, a model for the passive yaw control is proposed to take into account the inertia of the yaw actuator for the yaw mechanism and is validated by experimental data. The wind loads on the blades and the tower at extreme wind speeds are then evaluated and compared with the measurement. Finally, the effects of wind speed and wind direction change rate on wind loads in the parked condition at extreme wind speeds are evaluated by using the proposed model for the passive yaw control. The passive yaw control has the potential to reduce the extreme blade loads comparing with the active yaw control.

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Social expectations of the introduction and promotion of wind energy in Japan have increased; however, in regions where wind projects are planned or located, residents sometimes exhibit opposition. One of the reasons for this opposition is the health effects of the projects on nearby residents. In this research, an internet survey of these residents was conducted. The major findings were as follows: (1) 3.1% of respondents indicated health effects; (2) it was not proved that health effects spread concentrically from wind turbines, nor that the distance from wind turbines was directly related to health effects; (3) their present attitudes toward wind turbines and noise annoyance were related to the project’s construction process; and (4) little difference in the results regarding the annoyance of wind turbines was observed among the samples of these residents from Japan, the United States, and Europe.

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