How Does a Wind Turbine Work
There are two main points toconsider when understanding how a wind turbine works:
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Harnessing the wind.
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Harnessing the Wind:
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Harnessing the power of thewind is obviously the first step to consider. Wind generally blows or flows ina forward direction over the surface of the ground. We need to convert thislateral motion into a rotary motion. This is achieved by using angled andtilted blades that work in the same way as the sails of a wind mill.
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The blades need to be facingdirectly into the wind at all times but as the wind very often changesdirection we need a mechanism to ensure that the blades remain in this mostefficient position. A tail fin is place behind the blades similar in look to anaircraft tail fin, as the wind passes either side of the fin it will keep theblades facing into wind. If the wind changes direction there will be adifference in pressure from one side of the tail fin to the other exerting asideways force consequently the turbine blade assembley will always face intowind.
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As the lateral motion of thewind hits the turbine blades they are angled and tilted� in such a way that this motion is convertedto a sideways motion and because the blades are anchored to a spindle, isconverted to a rotary motion.
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Converting Wind Energy intoElectrical Energy:
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Now that we have the bladesfacing at all times into wind and the blades are whizzing around we need tounderstand how that rotation is converted into electricity. As mentioned beforethe blades spin around a central point. This forms a mechanical connection toan axle which usually drives a gearbox to increase the effective rotation speedof the blades.
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The axle forms part of adrive to a generator. Basically the generator is responsible for the conversionof the rotation energy into electrical energy. As we are talking in generalterms about the workings of a wind turbine we wont go into the physics of howthe generator does this and for the purposes of this article it just does!
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That is really all there isto it. We now have free electricity being generated by the wind. All that isleft to do is to connect the output of the generator, by means of cables toyour home. By the addition of voltage regulating circuits and storage batteriesyou could make savings on your electricity bill.
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Final Words and a Word onSafety:
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Now you understand the basisof how a wind turbine works and how it can provide your home with freeelectricity. There other issues you must take into consideration beforeconnecting your wind turbine to your home electrical circuit. Furtherinformation can be found by searching the Internet.
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Always consult an electricianbefore making any electrical connections to your home supply.
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