I’m intrigued by the mechanics of wind turbines and how they generate electricity. Can someone explain the process of how wind turbines convert kinetic energy from the wind into electrical energy? I’m particularly interested in understanding how the spinning blades of the turbine translate wind power into usable electricity.
Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into electricity through the following basic process:
The wind propels the turbine blades and the rotor is attached to it.
The rotating blades actually drive the rotor which then spins a shaft inside the nacelle (the turbine’s body).
The turning shaft initiates the spinning of a generator, which contains a magnet placed in a copper coil.
A circular motion of magnets in the coil results in the electron current in the wire through electromagnetic induction which produces electricity.
Generated electricity goes through the cables down the tower and into the transformer to create enough high voltage to be transmitted over power lines.
Therefore, wind turbines translate the kinetic energy of airflow, mechanically turn the rotor, and the generated electricity is achieved through electromagnetism.