What is a wind turbine and how does it work?
A wind turbine may remind you of a fan. However, it works in exact opposition of a fan. Wind causes the blades of the turbine to begin rotating. The blades are connected to a shaft which connects to the generator. Once the generator begins to spin, electricity is created. With many wind turbines, you can realize electrical energy creation at speeds as little as 4.5 mph. Below is an image that shows in great detail what makes up a typical wind turbine.
A wind turbine is used to capture the kinetic energy of the wind and covert it into the electrical energy that we use every day. The wind consists of millions of moving air particles (kinetic energy) that slam against a turbine blade, causing it to move. The moving blades turn a shaft that is connected to a turbine. The turbine converts the energy in the turning shaft (mechanical energy) into electricity (electrical energy). The electricity generated by a utility-scale wind turbine is normally collected and fed into utility power lines, where it is mixed with electricity from other power plants and delivered to utility customers. Click here to learn more about how wind energy works.
