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How Wind Power Works?

A Wind Turbine: Parts and All

The terms “wind energy” or “wind power” describe how the wind generates mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical power, which can be used for a mechanical task like grinding grain or pumping water.  Alternatively, a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity to power homes, businesses, schools, and the like.

Wind turbines spin in the moving air and power an electric generator that supplies an electric current. Modern wind turbines are horizontal-axis variety, like the traditional farm windmills used for pumping water. Wind turbines are often grouped together into a single wind power plant, also known as a wind farm, and generate bulk electrical power. Electricity from these turbines is fed into a utility grid and distributed to customers just as it is with conventional power plants.

The United States has abundant wind energy resources. Wind resources are characterized by wind-power density classes, ranging from class 1 (the lowest) to class 7 (the highest). Good wind resources, which have an average annual wind speed of at least 13 miles per hour, are found in many different regions. Wind speed is a critical feature of wind resources, because the energy in wind is proportional to the cube of the wind speed. In other words, a stronger wind means a lot more power.