What is wind power?

Wind power is a form of energy conversion in which turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical or electrical energy that can be used for power. Wind power is considered a form of renewable energy. Modern commercial wind turbines produce electricity by using rotational energy to drive a generator.

What is a wind turbine generator?

What is a wind turbine? A wind turbine, or wind generator or wind turbine generator, is a device that converts the kinetic energy of wind (a natural and renewable source) into electricity. Whereas a ventilator or fan uses electricity to create wind, a wind turbine does the opposite: it harnesses the wind to make electricity.

Why does a wind turbine not produce power?

Below the cut-in wind speed, the turbine cannot produce power because the wind does not transmit enough energy to overcome the friction in the drivetrain. At the rated output wind speed, the turbine produces its peak power (its rated power). At the cut-out wind speed, the turbine must be stopped to prevent damage.

How do wind turbines work?

Wind turbines work on a simple principle: instead of using electricity to make wind—like a fan—wind turbines use wind to make electricity. Wind turns the propeller-like blades of a turbine around a rotor, which spins a generator, which creates electricity. To see how a wind turbine works, click on the image for a demonstration.

What are the components of a wind turbine?

Wind turbine Components of a wind turbine. Modern commercial wind turbines produce electricity by using rotational energy to drive an electrical generator. They are made up of one or more blades attached to a rotor and an enclosure called a nacelle that contains a drive train atop a tall tower.

How does a wind turbine turn mechanical power into electricity?

This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity. A wind turbine turns wind energy into electricity using the aerodynamic force from the rotor blades, which work like an airplane wing or helicopter rotor blade.