How Wind Energy Makes Electricity

Turning something as seemingly simple as wind into electricity is a complex process. As new forms of energy help us to reduce our dependence on oil, wind turbines are popping up over vast acres of the United States. These wind turbines not only provide clean energy, they allow us to harness an unlimited power source.

Kinetic Energy to Electrical Energy

• The general idea behind turning wind energy into electricity has to do with the simple power of the air. In the same way that an airplane's propeller can "pull" the airplane at high speeds, wind can "push" a stationary propeller with considerable force. This kinetic energy is what is turned into electrical energy.

Mechanics of Wind Turbines

• Wind turbines operate through the principles of electromagnetic induction. The blades of the turbine turn an iron core, which is wrapped in copper wire. This motion then generates an electrical current. The process is similar to a car's alternator.

Wind Turbine Output

• Wind turbines can generally produce between 100 kilowatts to 5 megawatts, depending on their tower height, blade size and placement---at or near sea level for optimal wind density.