How Does a Wind Turbine Work?
by Tyler Castle
2 min read
Humans have been harnessing the wind to improve their quality of life for centuries. Wind energy has been used as a source of energy within the last 20th century. If you’re wondering how a wind turbine works, we have answers for you!
How does a wind turbine create electricity?
While the science of wind farming is far more complex, the basic principles are the same. Kinetic energy is captured and converted into power. As air moves past a wind turbine, the aerodynamic blades (similar in shape to an airplane wing) rotate. Most large wind turbines are designed to swivel, via a weather vane and computer. They adapt to changes in wind direction and find the most productive angle to harvest wind.
Within the housing behind the blades, the turbine rotor is connected to a shaft and gears. These elements connect to an electrical generator that stores the energy that’s absorbed. The electricity that generates by the force of the wind is then transferred to the electric grid. This provides electricity to local homes and businesses. The average wind turbine generates enough energy in 46 minutes to power one average U.S. home for one month.
Shown below is also a great video from the U.S. Department of Energy on how the components of a wind turbine work to capture and convert wind energy to electricity.
Wind energy is a great eco-friendly power source
Wind turbines are made of predominantly steel with concrete bases. So there are some environmental impacts in their construction. Once constructed, however, they emit no carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide. The average lifespan of a wind turbine is 20-25 years which makes wind turbines a great long-term investment.
Wind energy is local, so it remains unaffected by global energy markets or the volatility of wholesale oil and gas prices. And land-based utility-scale wind is one of the lowest-priced energy sources available today.
Santanna Energy Services is a supplier of renewable energy solutions in the United States, providing services to Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. We provide a wide range of energy services and products to meet the needs of both residential and small business customers. Our mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective energy solutions that will help our customers achieve their energy goals. With over 35 years of experience, we are committed to creating life-long relationships by providing quality service to customers, communities, and employees.
Tyler is an experienced energy professional, having worked for Santanna Energy Services, for the past four years. He is passionate about renewable energy and believes that diversifying the energy grid is the key to a sustainable future. Tyler is dedicated to supplying consumers with the best possible energy solutions and works diligently to make sure that Santanna can deliver the highest quality service.
