Wind turbine rotor power generation principle diagram

How does a wind turbine turn mechanical power into electricity?

This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity. 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.

How many blades does a horizontal axis wind turbine have?

Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines may be designed with one, two, three, or more blades. The fewer blades a wind turbine has, the faster the blades must turn to harvest the same amount of energy as a wind turbine with more blades.

How does a wind turbine pitch system work?

The pitch system adjusts the angle of the wind turbine's blades with respect to the wind, controlling the rotor speed. By adjusting the angle of a turbine's blades, the pitch system controls how much energy the blades can extract.

What is the relationship between rotor blade and power output?

P = k * Cp * (1/2) * ρ * A * (V^3) Note the relationship of each variable from the equation and how it relates to how a wind turbine works. The area of the rotor blade (A) has a direct positive relationship with power output, and wind speed (v) has a positive cubic relationship with power output.

How do wind turbine blades work?

The turbine blades are adjusted from their base hub using a system of gears and small motors or hydraulics. This system, called pitch control, can be electric or mechanical. It swivels the blades to align with wind speed, ensuring they capture the most wind energy efficiently.

How much electricity can a wind turbine generate?

The amount of electricity that a wind turbine can generate depends mostly on the size of the turbine, the area swept by the turbine blades, the air density, and the wind speed. The overall design of the wind turbine is also crucial for how efficiently the blades can capture the wind.