Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy using rotor blades, a shaft, and a generator. As wind passes through rotor blades, lift and drag forces cause them to spin, transferring mechanical energy to the generator via the shaft. Within the generator, this mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy via electromagnetic induction. Additional gearing is often used to increase the rotor shaft's RPM to a rate suitable for efficient electricity production. Horizontal axis wind turbines also use yaw systems to face rotor blades into the wind for maximum energy capture as wind direction changes. Braking mechanisms limit blade speed during high winds to prevent equipment damage.
36. Basic Processes A. Capturing Wind Energy These two forces cause the rotor blades to turn, depending on how much force the wind exerts on them.
37. Basic Processes A. Capturing Wind Energy The process converts the wind’s kinetic energy to mechanical energy (turning of rotor blades)
38. After this, it’s time to convert the mechanical energy into electricity.
39. Basic Processes B. Converting to Electricity The turning of the rotor blades would simultaneously cause the shaft to turn, which is connected to a generator.
40. Basic Processes B. Converting to Electricity When the rotor blades turn,
41. Basic Processes B. Converting to Electricity When the rotor blades turn,
44. Basic Processes B. Converting to Electricity Which makes the generator produce electricity!
45. Basic Processes B. Converting to Electricity Which makes the generator produce electricity!
46. Basic Processes B. Converting to Electricity In this process, the rotational mechanical energy of the shaft is converted to electricity by the generator.
59. Other Processes Involved Increasing RPM Gear A while Gear B only has 6. Gear A has 9 gear teeth Gear B
60. Other Processes Involved Increasing RPM Gear A while Gear B only has 6. This would mean that 1 revolution of Gear A would be equal to 1.5 (9÷6) revolutions for Gear B. Gear A has 9 gear teeth Gear B
61. Other Processes Involved Increasing RPM Gear A while Gear B only has 6. So if Gear A revolves at a rate of 20 rpm, Gear B would revolve at a faster rate of 30 (20×1.5) rpm. Gear A has 9 gear teeth Gear B
62. Other Processes Involved Increasing RPM In large wind turbines, they use a variety of gears (hence the name, gearbox) to multiply the rpm of the shaft.
63. Other Processes Involved Yaw Adjustment (HAWT only) HAWTs (horizontal-axis wind turbines) should be directed the same direction as the wind to maximize the energy collected.