How Does Modern Wind Power Work?

The huge modern wind turbines that we see on wind farms work just like the old-fashioned windmills do. The wind turns the blades, and this kinetic energy is turned into electricity. Wind turbines normally have three blades, which are connected to a rotor, which in turn drives the generator. Blowing wind causes pockets of low pressure to form on the downside of the blade, causing it to move and to turn the rotor. The rotor is connected to a large generator, which is housed in the nacelle (the thing that looks like a long capsule behind the rotor). The electricity produced by the generator passes through cables from the generator, down through the tower and then to a transformer. The electricity ends up on the electricity grid for use by consumers. Electricity is generated when wind speeds reach a little over 13 feet per second. Wind turbines will cut out when wind speeds reach storm force (about 82 feet per second), so that the turbine doesn’t get damaged. How Much Electricity Does a ...  more