Wind turbines generate electricity by converting the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy and then into electrical energy. Here's how they work in detail:
- Blades capture wind energy: The turbine has large blades shaped like airplane wings. When wind flows over these blades, it creates a difference in air pressure on either side, producing lift (similar to how airplane wings work). This lift force is stronger than drag, causing the blades to spin
- Rotor and shaft rotation: The blades are connected to a hub that forms the rotor. As the blades spin, the rotor turns a low-speed shaft inside the turbine
- Gearbox increases rotation speed: The low-speed shaft connects to a gearbox that increases the rotational speed from about 30-60 rotations per minute to around 1000-1800 rotations per minute, suitable for electricity generation
- Generator produces electricity: The high-speed shaft from the gearbox spins a generator. Inside the generator, magnets spin past coils of copper wire, inducing an electric current. This converts mechanical energy into electrical energy
- Control systems optimize performance: The turbine has systems to adjust the blade angle (pitch) to control rotor speed and maximize energy capture or to "feather" the blades to stop rotation in very high winds to prevent damage. The nacelle housing can also rotate (yaw) to keep the blades facing into the wind as wind direction changes
- Electricity transmission: The generated electricity is sent down the tower through cables to a substation, where it is transformed and fed into the power grid for use
In summary, wind turbines harness wind energy by spinning blades that turn a generator, producing clean, renewable electricity
