How Does Wind Energy Work? - Facts About Wind Energy

Image via Wikipedia

How does wind energy work? In this article, I will give a simplified explanation of how the turbine turns the wind energy into electricity. I will also briefly explain the structure of a wind turbine.
How Wind Turbines Generate Electricity

1. Wind blows onto the turbine's blades, causing them to rotate.
2. The turbine's blades rotate a shaft inside the box situated at the top (where all the blades converge).
3. This shaft is connected to a gearbox. This increases the speed of the rotation.
4. Magnetic fields in the generator use the increased speed from the gearbox to transform the rotational energy into electricity.
5. This electricity then gets fed to a transformer. This converts the electricity from the generator from about 700 volts to the level of voltage needed for distribution (usually 33,000 volts).
6. This electricity is then transmitted around the country via the National Grid.

Structure of a Wind Turbine
On top of the nacelle (the box at the top at the turbine), there are instruments that measure the speed and direction of the wind. Whenever the wind direction changes, the nacelle is turned by direction motors so that the blades can face into the wind. There are also brakes fitted into the nacelle so that if there is a storm the turbine can be turned off. This is an importance feature because otherwise the turbine may become damaged in severe weather conditions.
Computers record all this information and transmit it all to a control centre. This means that engineers don't need to visit the turbine too often. But they still need to visit occasionally to carry out mechanical checks.

Have you ever thought about having your own wind turbine? Most people pay far too much for their electricity, and the truth is, generating your own power is much easier than most people realize. Don't be one of the many people who spend too much on their energy bills.
Visit CheapElectricityBill.info to find out how you can pay less for your electricity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Bournston