What is meant by wind turbine and how does it work?

To transform the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy, a wind turbine is needed, but what is meant by this term? Here’s how wind energy is born and what type of energy resource it is.

When talking about wind energywe often come across a very important term, namely “aerogeneratore“, but what exactly is meant by this word? The wind turbine, also called “wind generator”, is probably the most important element of the entire wind farm.

This is essentially the central hub of the entire structure, which allows for transform the force of the wind (i.e. kinetic energy) in renewable and sustainable electricitycapable of lighting our homes and powering any kind of technological device.

It’s a bit like a fan whose mechanism has been reversed. Instead of using electrical energy to produce wind, the wind is used to produce electrical energy. All this happens thanks to a series of essential devices and elements, such as the wind turbines and the wind generator.

What is meant by wind turbine?

Fonte: iStock

Simply put, the wind turbine is the tool through which we can transform the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy.

Ma what do wind turbines exploit?? Much like modern windmills, wind turbine blades move when they encounter the force of the wind.

These structures, therefore, exploit the power of the wind, giving rise to a form of energy – called “kinetic” or mechanical energy – which allows the activation of the electric generator. Thanks to this particular mechanism, the kinetic energy deriving from the movement of the wind turbine blades is transformed into electricity.

The electricity thus produced is the so-called “wind energy”, a resource that is increasingly expanding both in Italy and in Europe. This energy can be fed into the grid or used directly to power devices.

What types of wind turbines are there?

Now that we know what is meant by wind turbine, let’s see what the different types available on the market. We can distinguish wind generators based on their size or shape (horizontal or vertical system).

For example, a 3kW mini wind generator (capable of producing 3 kilowatts of energy per hour) could be suitable for domestic consumption, but it is also used to power street lamps or for other purposes. For those wondering how much a 3 kW mini wind turbine costs, the horizontal plant cost can swing between 1,000 and over 10,000 euroswhile for the vertical axis wind system, the price can range from 2000 up to over 13,000 euros.

Thanks to government incentives and eco-bonuses, however, it is increasingly easier and more convenient to opt for renewable energy solutions, such as wind power.

In addition to the 3kW version, there are also available 50kW generators (especially used in mini wind power and microeolico) and 24 volts, designed to ensure greater independence from the national electricity grid.

What kind of energy do wind turbines produce?

renewable energies
Fonte: iStock

The energy produced by wind power plants and generators is naturally a clean and renewable energya truly precious and extremely useful resource.

Together with solar, photovoltaic panels or hydroelectric power and other so-called “green” energy resources, wind power does not involve the direct emission of greenhouse gases or other pollutants.

This type of energy represents a precious resource to promote the energy sector transition towards decarbonisation and enabling the abandonment of fossil fuel sourcesa step of enormous importance and to say the least necessary to succeed in creating a company zero emissions in harmony with the Planet.

Sources

Source: www.greenstyle.it