Renewable and without polluting gases, wind energy brings several advantages to the society. But have you ever stopped to think how this energy is generated? We’ve brought some important information to you. Take a look:

What is wind energy?

Basically, wind power is the kinetic energy that exists in the wind (which are masses of moving air). In order to be able to use it, this wind kinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy by windmills and wind turbines, or only by wind turbines (also called wind generator).

And how do wind turbines turn wind into electricity?

The operation of a wind turbine involves the application of knowledge from several areas, such as meteorology, aerodynamics, electricity, control, as well as civil, mechanical and structural engineering.

What happens is that the kinetic energy of the winds is converged in mechanical energy through the rotation movement of the turbines and, later, a generator turns it into electrical energy.

To understand this process better, know the components of the structure of a wind turbine:

• Air socks (direction sensor): they are the ones that capture the direction of the wind, which must be perpendicular to the tower in order to have a greater use;
• Propeller blades: capture the wind, converting its power to the center of the rotor;
• Rotor: it’s connected to an axis that transmits the rotation of the propeller blades to the generator, transforming the kinetic energy of the winds into mechanical energy of rotation;
• Nacelle: compartment installed at the top of the tower that protects the entire generator mechanism, consisting of: gearbox, brakes, clutch, bearings, electronic control and hydraulic system;
• Tower: structure that supports the rotor and the nacelle at the appropriate height for the operation of the turbine, is a high initial cost item for the system;
• Multiplication box (transmission): mechanism that transmits mechanical energy from the rotor shaft to the generator shaft;
• Generator: is the component that converts the mechanical energy of the shaft into electrical energy. Take a look at some options;
• Control mechanisms: wind turbines are designed to provide rated power according to wind speed, this element matches the rated average speed that occurs most frequently during a given period;
• Anemometer: measures the intensity and speed of the winds, usually every 10 minutes. We have already explained how the wind speed is measured and how the anemometer works here.

So, did you enjoy finding out more about wind power? Keep an eye on our blog to check out the other energies and various curiosities in the world of physics.