Wind Energy Basics

Posted by admin on December 30, 2008

Wind energy is a form of solar energy created by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface by the sun. Most small wind turbines use a horizontal axis propeller, or rotor, to capture the kinetic energy of the wind and convert it into rotary motion to drive a generator, which usually is designed specifically for the wind turbine. The rotor consists of two or three blades, usually made from wood or fiberglass. (These materials give the turbine the needed strength and flexibility, and have the added advantage of not interfering with television signals.) The structural backbone of the wind turbine is called the mainframe, and it includes the “slip-rings” that connect the wind turbine - which rotates as it points itself into changing wind directions - and the fixed tower wiring. The tail aligns the rotor into the wind. WAIT! There is more to read… read on »