How Does a Wind Turbine Work?

There are two main points to consider when understanding how a wind turbine works:

Harnessing the wind.
Converting wind into electrical energy.

Harnessing the Wind:

Harnessing the power of the wind is obviously the first step to consider. Wind generally blows or flows in a forward direction over the surface of the ground. We need to convert this lateral motion into a rotary motion. This is achieved by using angled and tilted blades that work in the same way as the sails of a wind mill.

The blades need to be facing directly into the wind at all times but as the wind very often changes direction we need a mechanism to ensure that the blades remain in this most efficient position. A tail fin is place behind the blades similar in look to an aircraft tail fin, as the wind passes either side of the fin it will keep the blades facing into wind. If the wind changes direction there will be a difference in pressure from one side of the tail fin to the other exerting a sideways force consequently the turbine blade assembley will always face into wind.

As the lateral motion of the wind hits the turbine blades they are angled and tilted in such a way that this motion is converted to a sideways motion and because the blades are anchored to a spindle, is converted to a rotary motion.

Converting Wind Energy into Electrical Energy:

Now that we have the blades facing at all times into wind and the blades are whizzing around we need to understand how that rotation is converted into electricity. As mentioned before the blades spin around a central point. This forms a mechanical connection to an axle which usually drives a gearbox to increase the effective rotation speed of the blades.

The axle forms part of a drive to a generator. Basically the generator is responsible for the conversion of the rotation energy into electrical energy. As we are talking in general terms about the workings of a wind turbine we wont go into the physics of how the generator does this and for the purposes of this article it just does!

That is really all there is to it. We now have free electricity being generated by the wind. All that is left to do is to connect the output of the generator, by means of cables to your home. By the addition of voltage regulating circuits and storage batteries you could make savings on your electricity bill.

Final Words and a Word on Safety:

Now you understand the basis of how a wind turbine works and how it can provide your home with free electricity. There other issues you must take into consideration before connecting your wind turbine to your home electrical circuit. Further information can be found by searching the Internet.

Always consult an electrician before making any electrical connections to your home supply.