In 2020, wind turbines were the source of roughly 8.4% of total US utility-scale electricity generation.

Yet, the government planned wind energy to be 10% of total electricity generation by 2020. Even though they missed this target, they still plan to generate 20% of the electricity demand using wind energy by 2030.

As wind turbines become more popular, many wonder about how they work. So, let’s dive in and discuss the process of making and using turbines.

How Do Wind Turbines Work?

Wind turbines use the wind to make electricity. The wind turns the wind turbine blades around a rotor. In turn, the rotor spins like a generator and creates electricity. 

Horizontal Wind Turbine

The standard model is the horizontal axis wind turbine which dominates the wind industry. The rotating axis is parallel to the ground. Horizontal wind turbines are advantageous because they produce more electricity from a given amount of wind. 

You will see these wind farms on land and offshore in large bodies of water. While land-based turbines are more cost-effective when placed together, offshore turbines capture vast amounts of energy from powerful ocean winds. 

Further, offshore wind turbines have fewer transportation challenges because they travel on ships rather than roads.

Vertical Wind Turbine

The rotational axis of a vertical wind turbine stands perpendicular to the ground. Some data shows these turbines work well in rough wind conditions. They can generate power from all 360 degrees. Sometimes they can generate power when the wind blows top to bottom too.

Most small wind electric systems and residential wind turbine projects use vertical turbines. They are ideal for unstable weather conditions or areas that aren’t high enough to get steady wind.

While not everyone can have their own wind power, some places are excellent for a distributive system. These include residential, agricultural, and small commercial applications.

Materials For Wind Turbines

Each wind turbine has three main parts: the tower, nacelle, and rotor blades.

A 2015 report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory states the materials that make wind turbines are:

• Steel (71-79%)
• Fiberglass, resin, or plastic (11-16%)
• Iron or cast iron (5-17%)
• Copper (1%)
• Aluminum (0-2%)

Wind turbine manufacturers also use crushed stone, clay, shale, gypsum, and limestone for cement. In addition, each wind turbine tower has concrete with steel to withstand harsh environmental conditions. 

Wind turbines have many components inside the nacelle, like the generator. This section contains mechanical parts. Cobalt, rare Earth oxides, baron, and neodymium are essential materials to manufacture magnets and batteries. 

Additionally, the rotor blades need foams, polymers, and rubbers to help with stiffness.

Explore More About Wind Turbines 

Wind turbines are undoubtedly becoming more important in generating renewable energy. However, manufacturing turbines requires many different materials and processes. Still, their production continues to grow.

If you’re interested in learning more about wind turbines, reach out to us at Kor-Pak Corporation. Our experts can guide you through the components of turbines.

You might have seen them while you’re out driving through rural land: giant 3-bladed wind turbines in clusters that make up massive wind farms. Perhaps you’ve seen their blades spinning and harvesting wind energy. But do you know how the inside of a wind turbine works?

Depending on its size and capacity, a wind turbine can power anywhere from 1,500 to over 3,000 houses per year. To do that, it requires a series of moving parts, all working in synchronicity.

Read on to learn more about the inside of a wind turbine and how it works.

What is a Turbine?

A turbine is a large machine that spins and harvests the surrounding energy. In wind turbines, wind energy provides kinetic energy, which is then gathered by the turbine and used to power the grid. This dramatically reduces carbon emissions and water usage when compared to traditional power plants.

What Does the Inside of a Wind Turbine Look Like?

You might have seen the vast, aerodynamic curved blades of a wind turbine, but what does the inside of a wind turbine look like? To better understand this concept, let’s take a look at the critical parts on the inside of a wind turbine.

Blades

The blades of a wind turbine are constructed of fiberglass and are aerodynamic. This makes them ideal for harvesting wind energy.

Hub

The wind turbine blades attach to the hub. This is what allows rotation to occur. The complete assembly of the blades and hub together is known as the rotor.

Nacelle

The rotor is attached to the nacelle, which houses the mechanical and electric equipment on the inside of a wind turbine. This includes the gearbox, the main shaft, and the generator.

Main Shaft/Gearbox

The gearbox of a wind turbine converts the slower rotation of the turbine’s blades into motion with greater speed. It is connected to the rotor and the generator or gearbox.

Generator

The generator is connected to the main shaft. It takes wind energy and will typically use it to power the grid.

Pitch Control Systems

The pitch control systems adjust the shape of the wind turbine’s blades as needed to adjust the speed of rotation. These systems on the inside of a wind turbine will turn the blades either in or out to speed up (or slow down) rotation.

Yaw System

The yaw system is what connects the nacelle to the tower of the wind turbine. This system turns the nacelle with the blades to capture the most wind energy.

How the Inside of a Wind Turbine Works

When the wind blows the blades of a wind turbine, this creates kinetic energy or energy created from movement. The rotors then spin the main shaft, which is connected to the rotor blades.

Next, the gearbox converts the main shaft rotation into a higher speed to power the generator. Then, the generator takes that kinetic energy and converts it to electrical energy.

Learn More About Wind Energy

Wind energy is a much greener and more efficient way of powering the grid. Now that you know what the inside of a wind turbine looks like, you can learn more about the benefits of wind energy.

Contact us now for more information on the power of wind energy.

The latest types of wind turbines can produce usable amounts of electricity almost 100% of the time.

You may be wondering how else wind turbines have changed in recent years. Which types of turbines are most effective to meet the ever-growing need for sustainable electricity?

Below are some pros and cons of using wind turbines to power big and small areas.

How Wind Turbines Work

How is electricity made? The power of wind can harness electricity!

Wind turbines produce electricity with low greenhouse gas emissions. They can also generate an unlimited amount of electricity without building a plant or disrupting the soil. Wind speed affects how consistently turbines can power an area.

Wind turbines come with backup batteries to help ensure round-the-clock electricity.

Types of Wind Turbines

The first type of wind power is via horizontal-axis turbines. These are visually similar to windmills. Each turbine has three blades facing into the wind. The turbine pivots at the uppermost part of each tower. You can see this kind of turbine on land or offshore.

Vertical-axis turbines can vary in shape. The Darrieus model, coined after the French inventor, is shaped like an eggbeater. Vertical-axis turbines can catch wind from any direction. You don’t have to adjust them like you might a horizontal-axis turbine.

You can build a single turbine to power your home. Typically, a large cluster of sizable turbines is constructed to work in tandem.

Benefits of Wind Turbines

Wind turbines address many problems we have faced with sustainability in energy. One of the most significant benefits of wind energy? A wind turbine generates less waste during its life cycle than one cow would by grazing in the same area.

Greenhouse gases from fossil fuels contribute to a less stable climate and damaged ozone layer over time.

Some fuels are not readily available anywhere on the planet.

If you can put a wind turbine there, you can channel wind power there. Native energy lessens the need for energy imports and adds to the economy’s wealth. Jobs are created to help manage different forms of renewable energy.

The advantages of wind power ripple out to positively affect all life forms on the planet.

Wind energy leads to cleaner air and water, unlike other forms of energy that emit toxic contaminants or substances into the air. Some contaminants can cause acid rain and disrupt soil, while others can make water hazardous for those who drink it or swim in it.

Drawbacks of Wind Turbines

Wind turbine diagrams show how much (or little) energy turbines can get from the wind with an ideal rotation. Many people are looking for ways to back up renewables.

Energy from wind is diffuse, meaning one turbine cannot generate much electricity in a short time. Wind turbines rely on the weather for power. Backup batteries can only supplement electricity for short periods at a time.

Public opinion can affect where and how many turbines are allowed. Some people feel that vast expanses of land are needed for other purposes, not just for renewable energy sources.

The Future of Renewables

The more effort put into creating effective renewables, the better the future of energy looks. The types of wind turbines available can help society become less reliant on older sources of energy.

In the meantime, stay posted for the latest upgrades available in industrial energy!

Do you or are you considering using wind turbines on your property to improve energy use? Are you looking for the best way to keep them running for as long as possible?

If so, then you need to know how to maximize wind turbine maintenance for the best performance. The goal is to keep all components operating regularly and keep a constant eye on turbines for any potential issues.

With our knowledge of manufacturing, your farm will get clean energy from your turbines for years to come.

Here are six essential wind turbine maintenance tips.

1. Stabilization

Maintaining wind turbines requires keeping the foundation and source of connection for parts stable. Issues that can increase the chances of your turbines falling apart over time include cracks in cement, loose bolts, and rusty spots.

You can deal with cracks by applying a cement sealing as soon as you notice them. With a reel for industrial wire, you will have a durable cable, keeping everything attached.

2. Lubrication

When it comes to how to maintain wind turbines, you need to keep moving parts in shape for consistent performance. Lubrication comes in handy for this situation, especially if you have an older wind turbine.

Check the oil and grease in your gearboxes and other parts for any metallic pieces. This will help you figure out which parts need lubrication and which ones need a replacement.

3. Electrical Components

Some aspects of wind turbine repair require extra care for the turbine’s operation and your safety. One example is checking on the electrical components, which requires locking the turbine from rotating and turning the external voltage source off before you begin.

Make sure that the cable is secure, and the controller unit isn’t damaged or running at high temperatures to prevent fires. You should also look at the ground connections so that they maintain their conductivity.

4. Bolts

Some components require more attention when maintaining a wind turbine due to their purpose and influence from the outside world. Bolts, for instance, are needed to hold the turbine together and may face challenges from the weather.

During your maintenance, look at the bolts to see which ones need re-torquing and remove debris that can hinder their function with rust. Give the bolts on the tower the same attention, and save bolt replacements for every few years.

5. Blades

Another part of the turbine that has to deal with weather and debris is the collection of blades. High winds, hail, bugs, and birds flying by can cause cracks, erosion, and lose connections over time.

Check your blades for signs of damage so that you know which ones need to be replaced. Smaller loads of damage can be corrected with custom skins for protection.

6. Remote Monitoring Systems

If you want to be extra safe about your wind turbine maintenance, then it may help to have a 24/7 remote monitoring system. You can keep an eye on your turbines at any time of the day for unexpected issues.

This system can come in handy for colder or wetter times of the year when you can’t work on the turbine in person. Your system should also have access to different parts of the turbine.

Our Take on Wind Turbine Maintenance

Wind turbine maintenance requires knowing what problems each of your components faces. With our tips, you can keep your turbines running for years.

For more of our manufacturing expertise, check out our guides today to keep your equipment in top shape.

In a world that’s quickly running out of natural resources, it’s only logical that we start looking at other options. Many green movements exist to limit pollution, save energy, and most importantly, find ways of creating renewable green energy. 

However, there’s much debate between green energy movements. Some even suggest they’re a bad idea. 

For example, there are both pros and cons of wind energy. Let’s take a look and them, and you can decide where you stand.

Pros and Cons of Wind Energy

The pros and cons of wind energy vary greatly depending on who you ask. We’re going to give you a non-biased look at both sides of the debate.

Pros

Wind turbines are the definition of “green energy.” The wind is a free and non-depleting natural resource. Therefore, no matter how much energy we get from wind turbines, there’s always more right around the corner.

Wind turbines, unlike solar panels, can also run day and night. They also aren’t affected by cloudy and rainy days.

Wind turbines don’t use much land, nor do they use any fuel.

For landowners who decide to put turbines on their property, there are several advantages. First, there are significant tax benefits for those who allow wind turbines to be placed on their land. 

Additionally, wind turbines don’t take up much space. This allows ranchers and framers who opt to have them on their property the freedom to continue growing crops, raising livestock, etc.

Wind turbines produce carbon-free energy. Aside from the processes of being created and installed, wind turbines are entirely green. It takes roughly nine months of operation for the energy cost and generation to break even. Then, it’s all green energy.

Finally, wind turbines are incredibly efficient. Once installed, the average wind turbine created six million kilowatts in a year. For reference, that’s enough free energy to run, 1,500 typical households.

Cons

The pros and cons of wind energy wouldn’t be complete with the latter. There are understandable reasons why some people think wind energy isn’t worth it.

First, some don’t appreciate the appearance of wind turbines. While it may seem like a silly reason not to put forward the effort to save energy, it’s very important to some.

Additionally, some wind turbines are noisy and can cause vibration. Modern turbines are less noisy than those of the past, but for some people, it’s a deal-breaker.

In some places, wind turbines may also affect wildlife, primarily birds and bats. Continued research and monitoring systems are needed for each wind facility to determine the potential impact and ways to deal with it.

Finally, wind turbines operate off of the wind. If there’s no wind, there’s no power being generated. However, this is why most wind turbines are installed in notoriously and consistently windy locations.

Wind Options

Now that you know the pros and cons of wind energy, you can form your own opinion on wind turbines. 

For those who are on board or already operating wind turbines, consider us a solid resource for parts and pieces.

In 2015, 80% of the world’s energy came from fossil fuels. However, there are other safer, environmentally-friendly solutions all around us, and we’re finally beginning to utilize them.

The past decade has seen stunning growth in environmentally-conscious businesses and consumers, especially where wind energy is concerned.

But why the sudden interest? Aren’t there other renewable energy sources?

There are, but right now is the optimal time for wind. Find out why you should join the movement.

Why Is Wind a Promising Choice?

Wind energy has few disadvantages and a myriad of advantages.

Wind turbines work by letting the wind spin propellors. The propellors link to the main turbine shaft, which transmits the energy throughout the turbine and to the generator, where it’s transformed into power.

The sun’s warmth spurs the wind, so it is an abundant resource. Further, it’s cost effective and advantageous to farmers or individuals with many acres of land, who can make money in addition to using the turbine to power their home.

Finally, turbines are excellent for the economy and the Earth.

The Future of Wind Energy

Wind energy is the fastest growing sector of renewable energy. In 2016, 27% of all new energy capacity additions were from the wind industry.

Over 30% of Iowa’s and South Dakota’s electricity in 2015 was from wind.

But the demand isn’t the only thing growing. Wind energy doubled from 2011 to 2016, and job growth increased by 32% in the sector from 2015 to 2016.

Like the wind itself, the sector is spreading across the globe.

Why Is the Wind Industry Growing So Quickly?

Society is beginning to turn to wind energy for power needs as it recognizes the positive impacts it has. There are many reasons for the sector’s growth.

Technological Advances

Wind turbines today are larger and more efficient than their past models. Researchers are also studying materials that reduce costs and stand up to the elements.

The result is turbines that are cheaper and offer higher efficiency.

Most People Can Benefit

Over half of the population dwells within 50 miles of a coastline, making wind a promising source for a large proportion of the US. As a result, businesses and even landowners are taking advantage of the future opportunities this entails.  

Prices

The prices for wind energy are excellent. Wind energy is the cheapest source of renewable energy in the UK and US.

As demand grows, competition ensues. This drives prices down even more.

State Requirements

More states are demanding businesses behave in environmentally-friendly ways. Customers, too, place a high value on this trait.

As expectations and requirements increase regarding behavior, companies search for the least expensive way to satisfy their corporate needs, state regulations and customer wishes. Wind energy is a popular choice.

Tax Credits

Finally, current and past tax credits encourage individuals and companies to take advantage of wind energy.

The Production Tax Credit will go out of effect in 2020, meaning businesses and homeowners are building now to take advantage of discounted prices.

Maintain Your Turbine

Wind energy is beneficial, and it doesn’t look like it will disappear anytime soon. But maintaining a turbine is a different matter. It takes quality parts, routine care, and careful research.

Do you need braking systems for your turbine? If so, contact our representatives to discuss your needs. Regardless of how specific, our experts will find the parts you require.

Let the wind blow those electrical bills away.

The wind turbine brake system is one that is every bit as impressive as it is complicated. To work on something as powerful as a wind turbine, you can’t expect anything less.

Over the years the design has been modified to work at maximum efficiency and to help save on the general cost of materials. That being said, it can be a challenge to know everything that’s involved with making the brakes work.

This article will describe the basics of the brake system, so you’ll have an idea of how they work if you ever need to handle them in the future.

The Basics of the Wind Turbine Brake System

The turbine brake system is made to slow down and halt the movement of the wind turbine itself. It takes more than just a couple of simple brake pads to bring it to a halt.

There’s a lot of kinetic energy generated by the wind turbines, and to disperse it properly, you have to turn that kinetic energy into heat energy. Depending on the type of wind turbine, you can do this in several ways.

Low-Speed Braking

If your wind turbine runs off of lower speed mechanics, you don’t need to have the powerful brakes that high-speed turbines use. In this case, you could get away with installing a large disc brake instead.

Disc brakes are the same brakes found on many motor vehicles. We don’t tend to think of our cars as low-speed or low-power, but compared to a high-power wind turbine they don’t generate nearly as much kinetic energy.

One thing to keep in mind is that the disc brakes rely on torque to do their job, so make sure you pick the right brakes to last you a long while.

High-Speed Braking

When you have a bigger wind turbine or one that generates a lot of power, you need more than disc breaks to stop it. That’s where high-speed brakes come into play.

High-speed brakes work by engaging with the generator so they can directly affect the movement of the turbine. The ratio of the turbine’s gearboxes results in a significant reduction in output torque, something to factor into your selection.

Two of the main things you need to factor in are the diameter of the brakes and the number of teeth the brakes have on them. The higher the number these variables are, the better and faster the brakes will perform.

If you want to be on the safe side (and if your turbine allows it), you could get both brake types. Doing this ends up being cost-effective in the long run, so if you have the money to buy both now, you should do so.

All of the Products You Need

When it comes to accessing the right products, you should know we’ve got you covered. You can buy an industrial wind turbine brake system, as well as clutch accessories, torque limiters, and much more.

Reach out to us to find out what we can do to help you. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Want to lower your electricity bill by 100%?

You can use the green energy of your very own wind turbine to reduce energy costs in your own home. But it depends on a few factors.

Are you comfortable working with AC and DC wiring? Can you safely connect a battery? Are you comfortable pouring cement and renting heavy equipment such as a lift? Then you may be up for the project of installing your own micro wind turbine!

As someone who is already confident maintaining and fixing your own equipment, you might want to consider adding a wind turbine to your skill set. Below we’ve created a guide to wind turbines, to help you take advantage of the power of the wind!

How Wind Turbines Work

Giant wind turbines catch energy from either moving liquid or gas, as they spin around. They rotate because of the shape of their blades, which have a slight curve to them. This is similar to how wind lifts an airplane due to the shape of its wings. Except, in this case, the wind pushes the turbines or giant rotor blades.

The length of the rotor blade determines how much energy the turbine produces. They are usually about 230 feet long. It will also depend on the speed of the wind, which causes the turbines to spin faster.

If the wind blows twice as quickly, your turbines will produce eight times more energy. This is because wind energy is your turbine’s speed cubed.

Wind Power: Pros & Cons

The generator is the part of the wind turbine that takes the kinetic energy created by the wind turning the turbines and converts it into electrical energy. This can then be used to light a home or other building.

One nice aspect of wind turbine energy is that it doesn’t produce greenhouse gas emissions or pollution. However, there are some disadvantages to wind turbines, the most obvious being that they don’t generate as much energy as coal, gas or a nuclear plant. You would need about 1000 2MW wind turbines to keep up with a coal plant.

Plus wind power is dependent on, well, wind. Which as you know isn’t consistent. Lastly, it takes up a lot of space because each wind turbine must be a significant distance apart.

This is because as the wind passes through the turbines, it slows down.

Harness the Power of the Wind

If you’d like to take advantage of wind energy in your own home, you can install your own micro wind turbine. Small windmill generators can be a great way to save on electricity bills and also help the environment. But location is everything when it comes to turbines.

You will need to live in an area with very few obstructions from things like buildings or trees. These can block wind and prevent your turbines from generating energy. You will also need to speak with your town to make sure tall towers are allowed in your neighborhood.

The tower must be installed 30 feet above any obstruction in the area. Once you’ve determined that your location will work, consider finding ways to make your home more energy efficient. This will not only instantly reduce the cost of your energy bills but will also allow you to purchase a smaller renewable energy system.

There are plenty of energy saving tips to help you get started. When choosing a wind turbine, you will need to consult a professional manufacturer who will provide a total cost for all the parts you need as well as the labor. If you are unable to connect your wind turbine to a grid, you need a standalone battery.

Deep-cycle batteries are best for wind turbines since they can discharge and recharge 80% of their energy 100 times! Automotive batteries aren’t recommended.

You can learn more about setting up your own micro wind turbine through resources such as the Clean Energy States Alliance.

Wind Turbine Maintenance

Building your own small wind turbine might be the start of some major savings for you and your family!

If you’re ready to get started and are searching for specific parts, we’ve got an inventory you can’t miss!

The United States has over 52 thousand wind turbines that are used to create renewable energy. Renewable energy has become increasingly more important due to the negative impact of non-renewable energy sources such as oil and coal.

Wind turbines are a great alternative that prevents adding further damage to the earth and its finite resources. But how do wind turbines work?

It’s essential to have a general understanding of how we use this incredible renewable energy source to fuel our everyday needs.

Learning about wind turbines allows us to continue to grow the wind energy industry throughout the country.

How Do Wind Turbines Work?

The future of the environment is in danger, and it’s time to put more resources into renewable energy sources such as wind turbines. Here are the basic principals of how wind turbines work and why it’s an excellent source of natural energy.

The Basic Anatomy of a Wind Turbine

Wind turbines stand tall, generally at over 320 feet, so they can collect more wind than they would closer to the ground.

Wind turbines consist of two or three propeller-like blades that rotate around a rotor. The wind blowing against the propellers is what allows the turbines to collect energy.

The anatomy of the blades on a wind turbine is vital in the creating of energy. The blades are curved so that when the wind blows against them, they are lifted in an upward motion, leading to a rotation.

The main turbine shaft connects the blades to everything else in the turbine so the energy can move through the turbine.

Wind turbines have a gearbox inside of them that makes the blades turn faster than they usually would without the gearbox, which produces more energy.

The rotor that is spinning is connected to a generator in the main shaft. The generator is the crucial part of a wind turbine because it’s what transforms the power.

When the rotor spins, it powers the generator which produces mechanical energy.

How Wind Turbines Transform Energy

When wind hits the turbine blades, kinetic energy is pulled from the wind and put into the turbine. The larger the blades are, the more kinetic energy it will pull from the wind.

Wind provides kinetic energy that can be converted into mechanical power through the wind turbine.

The faster the wind is blowing, the more kinetic energy it’s carrying. This means that stronger winds produce more energy. The turbines can collect more kinetic energy which transforms into more mechanical energy through the generator.

An electric current is then created from the energy produced by the wind and the generator. This electric current travels through a cable inside of the turbine and down into the transformer.

The transformer increases the voltage of the mechanical energy and sends it off to either a power grid or local communities.

For More Information

Wind turbines are an excellent option for producing renewable energy that does not lead to harmful greenhouse gas emissions that damage the environment.

If you have any more questions related to “how do wind turbines work?” Please contact us today for more information.

Renewable energy is the future of the energy industry, and wind energy is an essential part of that.

But how do wind turbines and components of wind turbines work?

Read on for details about wind turbines.

The Importance of Wind Energy

The wind has been harnessed and utilized as a source of energy since ancient times when Egyptians used it to propel their boats down the Nile River.

Windmills have been used for farming and other energy sources for over a thousand years.

Now, with non-renewable sources of energy dwindling, we’re starting to use wind energy on a large scale. Since 2000, wind energy has grown by 50 fold, from 6 billion kilowatt-hours to nearly 300 kWh.

How Does a Wind Turbine Work?

A wind turbine has many essential parts, most of which aren’t noticeable from outside of the turbine.

The nose and the blades are the most significant and most visible parts of the wind turbine. The nose, along with the rotor, holds the blades which catch the wind and begin to spin when wind speeds are fast enough.

The main turbine shaft is what connects the blades to everything inside the turbine. This shaft spins at the same speed as the blades and is essential for transferring the wind into energy.

The high-speed turbine shaft, as its name implies, spins at a much higher speed than the main turbine shaft. This is accomplished by the gearbox, which connects the two turbine shafts, and increases rotational speeds through a series of gears, much like how a bicycle increases its rotational speed through the gears attached to the back wheel.

The high-speed turbine shaft is what spins the turbine generator, the essential part of the wind turbine. This generator is what transfers the wind energy into electrical energy.

The inner workings of a turbine generator are complex. Here is a link for details on the inner workings of turbine generators.

There are also several parts of the wind turbine that help optimize the wind capturing process.

The anemometer measures wind speed and works alongside the controller to maximize the efficiency of the wind turbine. These devices can activate the brake to slow down the blades during excessive wind speeds. It can also be used to assist with starting up the blades when wind speeds are too low to activate the blades on their own.

What’s Next?

Now that you can answer the question of “how does a wind turbine work,” you might be curious about other large industrial machines. From oil rigs to overhead cranes, to railroad parts, our blog is an excellent source of information for any energy industry you might be interested in.