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Wind Power: How Do Wind Turbines Make Electricity?

Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical power and use that power to operate an electrical generator, producing electricity. Utility-scale wind turbines range in size from 50 to 750 kilowatts and have been used since ancient times to grind grain and pump water. Modern large wind turbines can have blades over the length of a football field and produce enough electricity to power 1400 homes. All wind turbines are comprised of rotor blades, a generator, a control system, and a tower to harness winds and convert their energy into electricity.

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40 views2 pages

Wind Power: How Do Wind Turbines Make Electricity?

Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical power and use that power to operate an electrical generator, producing electricity. Utility-scale wind turbines range in size from 50 to 750 kilowatts and have been used since ancient times to grind grain and pump water. Modern large wind turbines can have blades over the length of a football field and produce enough electricity to power 1400 homes. All wind turbines are comprised of rotor blades, a generator, a control system, and a tower to harness winds and convert their energy into electricity.

Uploaded by

analyst_anil14
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Wind Power

This is power generated by wind turbines using the kinetic energy in the wind. The
turbines convert wind energy into mechanical power, which is used to operate the
generator. The power can also be directly used for tasks like hauling water or operating a
mill (wind energy has been used for the later tasks since ancient times).
How do wind turbines make electricity?
Simply stated, a wind turbine works the opposite of a fan. Instead of using electricity to
make wind, like a fan, wind turbines use wind to make electricity. The wind turns the
blades, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity. Utilityscale turbines range in size from 50 to 750 kilowatts. Single small turbines, below 50
kilowatts, are used for homes, telecommunications dishes, or water pumping.
When was wind energy first used?
Since earliest recorded history, wind power has been used to move ships, grind grain and
pump water. There is evidence that wind energy was used to propel boats along the Nile
River as early as 5000 B.C. Within several centuries before Christ, simple windmills
were used in China to pump water.
By 19th century, windmills being used to pump water for farms and ranches. By 1900,
small electric wind systems were developed to generate direct current, but most of these
units fell into disuse as inexpensive grid power was extended to rural areas during the
1930s. By 1910, wind turbine generators were producing electricity in many European
countries.
How big are wind turbines?
Wind turbines are available in a variety of sizes, and therefore power ratings. The larger
machine can have propellers that span the more than the length of a football field and
stands 20 building stories high, and produces enough electricity to power 1400 homes. A
small home-sized wind machine has rotors between 8 and 25 feet in diameter and stands
upwards of 30 feet and can supply the power needs of an all-electric home or small
business.
What are wind turbines made of?
All electric-generating wind turbines, no matter what size, are comprised of a few basic
components: the rotor (the part that actually rotates in the wind), the electrical generator,
a speed control system, and a tower. Some wind machines have fail-safe shutdown
systems so that if part of the machine fails, the shutdown systems turn the blades out of
the wind or puts on brakes.
What is the status of wind power in India?
India is one of the largest generators of wind power in India. Current installed capacity is
about 1,600 MW. Expert estimates on potential are much larger.

Source: www.eren.doe.gov

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