Wind Turbine Energy

Webmaster: Paramete Popun M57 No.15

Reference: https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/how-do-wind-turbines-work

https://www.iberdrola.com/sustainability/renewables-energy-wind-power

Wind energy is energy obtained from the force of the wind. How? Through a wind turbine that transforms the kinetic energy of air currents into electrical energy. The energy is mainly extracted with the rotor, which transforms the kinetic energy into mechanical energy, and with the generator, which transforms this mechanical energy into electrical energy. We are talking about a renewable, efficient, mature and secure energy that is key to the energy transition and the decarbonisation of the economy.

How does wind power work?

As we have already mentioned, in order to utilise the kinetic energy of the wind and convert it into electrical energy, it is necessary to use a wind turbine. The optimal use of these giants, (they are usually between 80 and 120 metres high) depends on the strength of the wind. For this reason, wind farms, which pool a large number of wind turbines and make it possible to obtain this energy in large quantities, must be set up in places where windy conditions are predominant. The wind turbines have to be oriented in the direction of the wind, which is done by means of a vane on the nacelle. From there, the force of the air currents will set the three main parts of the wind turbine in motion:

Each of the wind turbines that make up a wind farm are linked together by underground cables that carry the electricity to a transformer substation. From there it is transported to homes, factories or schools, among other recipients, through the distribution networks of the various electricity companies.

The rotor: composed of three blades and the bushing that joins them together, its function is to capture the force of the wind and convert it into mechanical rotational energy. The multiplier: connected to the engine by means of a shaft, its function is to increase the rotational speed from 30 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 1500 rpm. The generator: this element is responsible for converting the mechanical energy of rotation into electrical energy.

TYPES OF WIND ENERGY

There are currently two types of wind energy depending on where the wind turbines are erected:

Onshore wind energy

Onshore wind energy is responsible for producing electricity by harnessing the wind from wind farms located on land. To do this, we install wind turbines capable of transforming kinetic energy from the wind into electricity suitable for use and send it to the distribution network.

Offshore wind energy

Offshore Wind energy is the energy obtained by harnessing the force of the wind that is produced on the high seas, where it reaches a higher and more constant speed than on land due to the absence of barriers. In order to make the most of this resource, mega-structures are installed that are seated on the seabed and equipped with the latest technical innovations.

MAIN ADVANTAGES OF WIND ENERGY

Wind energy offers numerous benefits, both for the companies that invest in it and for society by helping to minimise the impact of climate change:

  Clean

As it does not require any combustion process, it is an energy with low green house gases (GEI) emissions, the main culprits of global warming.

  Inexhaustible

Wind is an unlimited resource, and so is its use as long as there are sufficient air currents.

  Cheap

Both the cost per kW produced and its maintenance is quite low. In areas where the wind blows harder, the benefit is even greater.

  Low impact

Wind farms are built after a rigorous analysis and planning process. In addition, depopulated areas are sought to avoid negative effects on inhabitants.

  It generates green jobs

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), wind energy already employs more than 1.2 million people today and the number of green jobs will not stop growing.

Wind flow patterns and speeds vary greatly across the United States and are modified by bodies of water, vegetation, and differences in terrain. Humans use this wind flow, or motion energy, for many purposes: sailing, flying a kite, and even generating electricity.

The terms "wind energy" and "wind power" both describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity.

A wind turbine turns wind energy into electricity using the aerodynamic force from the rotor blades, which work like an airplane wing or helicopter rotor blade. When wind flows across the blade, the air pressure on one side of the blade decreases. The difference in air pressure across the two sides of the blade creates both lift and drag. The force of the lift is stronger than the drag and this causes the rotor to spin. The rotor connects to the generator, either directly (if it’s a direct drive turbine) or through a shaft and a series of gears (a gearbox) that speed up the rotation and allow for a physically smaller generator. This translation of aerodynamic force to rotation of a generator creates electricity.