Wind turbines provide clean, renewable power by harnessing the wind and generating electricity. How exactly do wind turbines accomplish this feat? The U.S. Department of Energy breaks it down in the following paragraph:
“A wind turbine turns wind energy into electricity using the aerodynamic force from the rotor blades, which work like an airplane wing or helicopter rotor blade. When wind flows across the blade, the air pressure on one side of the blade decreases. The difference in air pressure across the two sides of the blade creates both lift and drag. The force of the lift is stronger than the drag and this causes the rotor to spin. The rotor connects to the generator, either directly (if it’s a direct drive turbine) or through a shaft and a series of gears (a gearbox) that speed up the rotation and allow for a physically smaller generator. This translation of aerodynamic force to the rotation of a generator creates electricity.”
What does this mean? Simply put, use of an abundant renewable resource, such as wind, can produce electricity to power our buildings, factories, warehouses, schools, homes, and pretty much anything else that requires electricity.
Wind turbines come in all shapes and sizes these days. From the large utility scale wind turbines which can be several hundred feet tall, to micro wind turbines for building rooftops, wind energy can be harnessed and provide the usable electricity needed for our smartphones and manufacturing equipment.
Wind energy is not the answer for every facility. A study is required to ensure the required amount of wind flow is consistently available at a location to produce the electricity required. Function is of course important, but aesthetics should also be considered for certain locations. Luckily, design and technology improvements have provided options beyond the standard looking windmill.
NXTGEN Clean Energy Solutions provides the expertise required for not only clean energy powered by mother nature, but also an attractive installation for your facility.
