A wind turbine converts the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. They typically consist of large blades mounted on tall towers. When the wind blows, these blades rotate, generating electricity through a generator.

Wind turbines are significant among renewable energy sources because, unlike fossil fuels, wind energy provides a clean and environmentally friendly way to generate power.

^{Wind Turbine}

Working Mechanism

A wind turbine is an aerodynamic and electromechanical system that converts the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical and subsequently electrical energy. The turbine primarily consists of rotor blades, a shaft, often a gearbox, and an electrical generator.

• Rotor Blades: These harness the wind's kinetic energy, rotating due to the principles of Bernoulli's principle and aerodynamic lift force. Typically made from composite materials, the blades are designed with a specialized curved structure to enhance aerodynamic efficiency.
• Energy Transfer: The rotating rotor blades transfer mechanical energy to a main shaft connected at a central point called the hub. Depending on the turbine's design, this shaft may be directly or indirectly connected to the generator through a gearbox.
• Gearbox: In most designs, the gearbox converts the relatively low-speed rotation of the rotor into the higher-speed rotation needed by the generator. However, some turbines feature direct-drive generators, eliminating the need for a gearbox.
• Generator: The generator is the component that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction.
• Energy Optimization: The generated electrical energy is typically optimized by a converter system and then fed into the electrical grid for distribution.

This mechanism enables wind turbines to efficiently produce clean, renewable energy, contributing to sustainable power generation.

^{Wind Turbine Components}

Design

Wind turbines generally come in two main types: horizontal axis and vertical axis.

• Horizontal-axis turbines are the traditional wind turbine design and the most commonly used type.
• Vertical axis turbines, on the other hand, are less common and are typically designed specifically for certain urban and environmental conditions.

^{Horizontal Axis vs Vertical Axis Wind Turbine}

Installation Area

Wind turbines are typically installed in locations with high wind potential. Due to higher wind speeds and fewer land-based obstructions, offshore sites are popular for establishing wind farms. Wind energy is becoming increasingly significant worldwide as a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy production method.

^{Offshore Wind Farm}

When the wind blows, the blades, which help the rotor rotate, block a portion of the wind as a percentage. This is the percentage that is converted into energy. The better the blade efficiency, the higher the power that can be generated. According to the laws of physics, the maximum wind that can be converted into energy is 59.3%, which is known as the Betz Limit. However, in practical systems, friction, heat, and turbulence losses occur, so this ratio drops to around 30%.

Wind turbines can be used alone or in hybrid systems. In hybrid systems, they are typically used with solar panels, hydroelectric, or other energy sources. As a system, they can be connected to the grid and used in a hybrid form with solar cells or diesel generators. Wind turbines used as standalone systems have mostly been used to power water pumps and communication devices, but nowadays, homeowners or farmers in windy areas use wind turbines to generate electricity.

Wind turbines can be adjusted to work at specific or variable wind speeds. Compared to fixed-speed turbines, wind turbines that can operate at variable speeds can generate 8% to 15% more energy. However, these turbines require additional electronic circuits to provide a stable energy output.

Factors Affecting Energy Production

To calculate the energy produced by a wind turbine, the wind speed and the blade diameter are needed. Most large wind turbines spin at a speed of 15 meters per second. Theoretically, to increase the energy produced, the blade diameter needs to be increased, which also means that the height of the wind turbine must increase. This way, the turbine can catch more wind and achieve faster rotational movement. Typically, wind turbines operate at full capacity when spinning at 33 mph (13.4 m/s). When the speed reaches 45 mph (20 m/s), the system automatically shuts down. There are several controls in place to stop the system if the turbine accelerates too much. The most common control is the brake system. When the blades reach 45 mph, the rotation stops.

A typical large wind turbine generates 5.2 million kWh of electrical energy annually. This can meet the electricity needs of about 600 homes.

Advantages of Wind Energy

• Wind energy is "clean" and "renewable."
• There are no harmful emissions of carbon dioxide or nitrogen gases into the atmosphere.
• The wind will never run out.
• Wind energy can be produced in any country. There is no need to transfer energy from other countries.
• Moreover, wind farms can be built in remote areas, and it is easier to transmit the generated energy to central locations.

Disadvantages of Wind Energy

• Like other energy plants, wind turbines cannot always operate with high efficiency. Wind speed is variable, and efficiency decreases. If the wind blows too hard, the turbines do not work. If the wind blows too weakly, the turbines also do not work.
• Wind energy plants have very high investment costs.
• Wind energy plants generate a lot of noise. The noise pollution created by wind turbines near cities disturbs people, animals, and natural life.
• They pose serious problems for migratory birds.
• If wind farms are located in large numbers in an area, they may disrupt mobile phone and television signals in that region.