Wind farms exploit  wind energy for producing electricity;  they are formed by aerogenerators that transform kinetic energy into mechanical energy and the latter into electricity.  Wind aerogenerators are of aerospace derivation and have various elements in common with the technology used for helicopters (in extremely simple words, there is no difference between a wind generator and a self-rotating helicopter).
Aerogenerators are classified according to a series of parameters, the principal ones being:

• Position of the axis of the rotor:  vertical (used for particular applications, for example thermal-wind power generation plants) or horizontal (the majority).
• Power:  from several  kW  up to several MW.
• Number of blades: from  1 (rare) to about ten.  Normally, three blade generators are used to maximize efficiency.
• Type of blade: rigid or flexible, according to the material used.
• System for actively or passively orienting the generator:  in the first case, the generator is oriented in the best possible direction to maximize the kinetic energy extracted from the wind, using dedicated electric motors.  In case of passive control, the generator is oriented exploiting a system that is similar to a nautical  drift and the surface of the rotor remains constantly perpendicular to the direction of the wind.
• The rotor blades can be either fixed or mobile, meaning their speed can be varied.  
• Type of tower: rigid or flexible, according to the material used (steel, cement or cellulose).
• Type of  rotor blocking system: aerodynamic and/or mechanical.
• Rotor size and tower height: in both cases from a few meters up to many different heights   (some rotors have a diameter of  over 40 metres).

As indicated in the above-mentioned partial list, more or less complex generators exist according to the desired use.

Within the wind power sector, the ICQ  Group has acquired extensive and significant experience that today allows facing with leading expertise every type of problem linked to the development, implementing and managing of a wind power plant:

• Anemometric campaigns  and evaluation of the site's wind power potential were carried out in over 100 sites;
• Approximately 400 MW were developed for establishing  the conditions of  project planning;
• Over  200 MW were produced;
• Present managed power equals 80 MW.

The quantity of energy produced by wind farms during 2010 will exceed 300 GWh, while the installed power in owned wind farms will reach approximately 300 MW by 2012.

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