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Wind turbines
A wind turbine is a device that converts kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical energy; a process known as wind power. If the mechanical energy is used to produce electricity, the device may be called a wind generator or wind charger. If the mechanical energy is used to drive machinery, such as for grinding grain or pumping water, the device is called a windmill or wind pump. Developed for over a millennium, today's wind turbines are manufactured in a range of vertical and horizontal axis types. The smallest turbines are used for applications such as battery charging or auxiliary power on sailing boats; while large grid-connected arrays of turbines are becoming an increasingly large source of commercial electric power.
Industry: Energy
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Wind turbines
transformer
Energy; Wind turbines
At the base of the tower there is a transformer that alters the voltage of the electricity generated so that it can be fed into the local electricity network.
Low-speed shaft
Energy; Wind turbines
The rotor turns the low-speed shaft at about 30 to 60 rotations per minute.
Controller
Energy; Wind turbines
The controller starts up the machine at wind speeds of about 8 to 16 miles per hour (mph) and shuts off the machine at about 65 mph. Turbines cannot operate at wind speeds above about 65 mph because ...
Anemometer
Energy; Wind turbines
Measures the wind speed and transmits wind speed data to the controller.
Blades
Energy; Wind turbines
Most turbines have either two or three blades. Wind blowing over the blades causes the blades to "lift" and rotate.
Brake
Energy; Wind turbines
A disc brake which can be applied mechanically, electrically, or hydraulically to stop the rotor in emergencies.
Yaw drive
Energy; Wind turbines
Upwind turbines face into the wind; the yaw drive is used to keep the rotor facing into the wind as the wind direction changes. Downwind turbines don't require a yaw drive, the wind blows the rotor ...
