Wind Turbine Electricity
Is Wind Turbine Electricity the Answer?
Wind power is an exceptionally efficient and cost effective power alternative. The wind is an awesome force, and it can put out a lot of raw power to be converted into energy that we can use in our everyday lives. Wind turbine electricity is one of most popular power generators in use today. There are wind farms located in many locations throughout the United States.
The wind turbine electricity is created only by wind resources. Wind is really a type of solar power. Just like solar panels use the sun, turbines use the wind, both natural sources of power. Here is an explanation of how it all works; the sun heats surfaces at uneven rates, the hot air that is formed then rises up and this forces cooler air to rush in and fill the gap. The rushing of the wind is what helps to produce the electricity. A wind turbine has to be positioned in the right area in order to catch the wind.
Here’s What Counts
Blades are one of the most important pieces of the equation. Today turbines use blades that are horizontal, and there are usually only three blades. The metal cannot handle more than that as it is too much stress. The blades are made of a lightweight sturdy plastic or fiberglass, they are concave, and somewhat off center for a better angle for catching the wind and spinning the blades efficiently.
The blades are connected to a double rotor assembly, which then connects to a magnet rotor through a pulley assembly, which is used on larger turbines or can be placed directly on the smaller turbines used for homes. This assembly makes the blades turn.
The magnet rotor is not used to turn anything it spins about a magnetic alternator which in turn creates a magnetic field. When the magnetic field goes over the wires of the alternator, an electrical charge is produced. The electrical charge that is produced is carried into a regulator that converts the natural electricity into DC power for home use.
This is just a crash course in wind turbine technology. It is more involved than some might think. It is more complicated than the average windmill and has greater possiblities for mainstream use. People have used the power of wind for energy use for many years, but it has evolved with new technology.
Old vs New
The turbines look futuristic compared to windmills of old with the three blades that are aerodynamic. They do have some similarities, but not the old world charm; however they are much more efficient for the needs of today’s communities.
Comments are closed.
