Wind energy plays a central role in reducing CO2 emissions. It offers an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. To do this, wind turbines convert wind into electrical energy. But how does a wind turbine actually work?
By 2030, a total of 71 gigawatts of electricity should be generated from onshore wind turbines in Germany. That sees that Renewable Energy Act before. In 2023, in this country 772 new wind turbines with an output of 3,824 megawatts was newly installed and put into operation.
All of that is part of the efforts of the Federal RepublicThe aim is to produce at least 55 percent less greenhouse gases by 2030 than in 1990. Germany should then be CO2-neutral by 2050.
How does a wind turbine actually work?
A wind turbine uses the power of the windto generate clean, sustainable energy. This requires a rotor. This consists, among other things, of rotor blades that are reinforced with glass or carbon fibers. They form the heart of the construction.
The rotor blades are aerodynamically shaped, similar to the wings of an airplane. When wind and rotor blades meet, the wind flow creates a lift that causes the rotor to rotate. This kinetic energy from the wind is transformed into mechanical rotational energy.
The rotating rotor blades are connected to a generator in the nacelle. This is the machine house on top of the tower. The generator now converts the mechanical rotational energy into electrical energy. This process is comparable to a bicycle dynamo. Because it also generates electricity through the movement of the bicycle.
By the way: When the rotor blades of a wind turbine rotate, they make a noise. However, experts are trying to continuously improve and minimize these noise emissions. In addition, the wind turbines must adhere to certain requirements so as not to disturb nearby residential areas.
The higher the better: this is how wind turbines work efficiently
As soon as the wind blows at least three to 4.5 meters per second, wind turbines start working. Because the nacelle can be rotated, the rotors can always be optimally positioned in the wind. In addition, the rotor blades can be adjusted around their longitudinal axis. This means they can keep the speed constant even when wind speeds change. And: A wind turbine works efficiently at a rotation speed of three revolutions per minute.
In order to generate a lot of electricity, a wind turbine needs high average wind speeds and large rotor surfaces. The higher the wind turbine is built and the longer the rotor blades are, the better the system can make use of the local wind. The wind also blows less strongly inland, which is why the systems usually have to be higher than in regions near the coast. This is another reason why the choice of location is important.
How does a wind turbine work? Onshore versus offshore
When it comes to wind turbines, a distinction is made between so-called onshore and offshore wind turbines. Onshore wind turbines are installed on land and use wind energy on the mainland, while offshore wind turbines are located in the sea. They take advantage of the stronger and more consistent wind conditions on the open water.
Building an onshore wind turbine is only worthwhile where the so-called wind power density is high enough. It is a measure of how much power the wind makes available for use on average when it flows through the rotor at a location.
In a windy location, for example on a hill or on the coast, a modern wind turbine can generate an average of 15 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually. This could provide up to 4,000 households with green electricity for a whole year.
Also interesting:
- Wind energy: Is the technological race driving the industry to ruin?
- Wind turbine alternative: Hamburg company generates energy with a parachute
- More environmentally friendly solar systems: Researchers develop new recycling method
- What is a prerequisite for environmentally friendly and energy-saving driving?
The article How does a wind turbine actually work? by Beatrice Bode first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.