This video is entitled “Energy 101: Wind Turbines – 2014 Update” and is really informative. It comes to us via the U. S. Department of Energy.
The video starts out by explaining how creaky, old windmills on farms (used to mill grain or pump water or both) were the predecessors for new, modern wind turbines that generate electricity.
The same wind that used to pump water for cattle is now turning giant wind turbines to power cities and homes.
Wind Power Creates Electricity
The principle of today’s enormous wind turbines remains the same – that is to capture wind’s energy which is free and convert it to electricity. This electrical energy is used to power cities and homes.
A video animation shows how the wind turbine works in simple terms.
The blades of the wind turbine work similar to those of an airplane wing. Air waves pass along either side of the blade. It is the blade’s shape that causes the air pressure to be uneven. That pressure is higher on one side of the blade while lower on the other. This uneven pressure causes the blade to spin around the center of the turbine.
The wind turbine’s blades attach to a shaft which connects to a series of gears which increase the rotation. At a high enough speed this starts to produce energy.
A weather vane sits on the top of the wind turbine. The weather vane is connected to a computer which turns the turbine into the wind so it can capture the maximum amount of energy.
Why wind turbines are so tall.
That’s simple. The higher up the windier it gets. And more wind naturally means more electricity.
Larger turbines also can capture wind energy more efficiently. The long blades can sweep a circle in the sky.
Even small wind farms are capable of generating enough electricity to power thousands of homes. Larger farms provide much more clean energy for our businesses and homes.
Another source of wind power lies in our oceans and the Great Lakes. The U.S. Energy Department supports innovative offshore wind projects. This will help build offshore wind turbines in U.S. waters.
Over 50% of the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of a coastline. Thus capturing wind power off of America’s shores can provide energy to countless homes and businesses.
Learn more about Wind Power at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Kor-Pak Corp. helps the renewable energy industry by providing wind turbine brakes, pads and accessories. Learn more by visiting on Wind Power page.
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