Wind energy is the use of air masses to generate electricity. It is one of the most environmentally friendly activities, since it includes a transformation process without emissions that does not contribute to global warming.
In addition, it is a renewable energy source, which makes it an excellent alternative to fossil fuels that threaten ecosystems and our own health. Learn about all the characteristics of wind energy by clicking here.
Today, natural air flows and kinetic (motion) energy can be harnessed on a large scale to generate electrical power. In fact, an offshore wind turbine has the capacity to generate 8 MW, enough to power 6 homes for a year.
While the sustainability of wind power is proven, how do wind turbines convert wind into electricity? On this occasion, we will tell you how the self-generator of a turbine works to produce electrical energy. Also remember that you can learn about all the benefits of wind energy at the following link.
How is electrical energy generated with wind energy?
The kinetic energy of the wind is transformed into mechanical energy
The moving air hits the rotor blades. of the wind turbine, allowing it to capture kinetic energy and convert it into mechanical energy. Despite the fact that the outer edges of the rotor blades present a continuous movement, its central drive shaft rotates with less speed. In most current turbine systems, the rotor blades rotate in front of the shaft at the optimum angle to capture energy.
The nacelle drives the generator
At the top of the tower or self-generator, just behind the blades, is the gondola. The nacelle is the main body of the turbine and works similar to a vehicle gearbox, by converting the low-speed rotation of the driveshaft into rotation speeds of approximately 1600 rpm. This speed generated by the nacelle is enough to generate power efficiently.
Anemometers provide measurements about the wind
Anemometers are devices that automatically measure wind speed and direction. Thanks to this measurement data, the rotors and the nacelle of the turbine rotate through a motor located between the tower and the nacelle, so that they can be located in the opposite direction to the wind to capture the highest percentage of energy. If there is turbulence or the wind is too strong, a safety system is activated that prevents the rotors from spinning.
Wind turbines are usually much more effective when the wind speed range is between 48 km/h and 90 km/h. However, when the wind speed is lower, the production of electrical energy is usually reduced exponentially.
The generator converts kinetic energy into electrical energy
The generator, located behind the gearbox, captures the kinetic energy generated by the central driveshaft and transforms it into electricity. A conventional 2 MW generator can produce up to 2 million watts of electrical power.
The electricity generated travels to a power grid
The generated electrical current flows through a cable that is located inside the tower. then a transformer boosts up to 50 times the voltage so that it is transmitted efficiently to the electrical network. When the electricity is sent to the grid, the nearest substation boosts the voltage even higher (approximately 130,000 volts) and serves the energy to the communities of the region.
In this way, buildings or homes can enjoy clean energy, since the turbine does not emit polluting gases while it remains operational. No toxic or radioactive waste is emitted during the electricity generation process.