How Wind Power Works
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Actually, wind is dependent on solar energy. The phenomenon of wind arises when the sun unevenly heats land and water. When land heats up faster than water, expanding and contracting air is set in motion. In this way, atmospheric wind is perpetuated as the earth rotates.
Wind flow patterns are influenced by landforms, bodies of water, plant life, and man-made structures. In general, wind turbines operate best when wind flow is steady and laminar (straight). They work well in a wide-open area, clear of buildings and forest. In these conditions, most large wind turbines produce a maximum power output at an average wind speed of 33mph. The diameter of the rotor determines how much electricity is possible to be generated by any given wind turbine model. The height at which a wind turbine is installed will also determine power generating potential. Automatic "shut-off" mechanisms deactivate wind turbine generator operation in potentially hazardous high-wind situations (45mph+). Learn more about what's required to have good wind energy system in our Wind Siting and Selection Criteria |
How Grid-Tie Wind Power Systems Work
Grid-tied wind power systems use a wind turbine to interface wind-generated electricity with existing electric utility power. They are also referred to as 'utility-intertie' or 'utility-interactive' wind power systems.
Batteries may be employed as a part of grid-tie system architecture, to provide backup power in the event of an outage. Adding batteries will reduce system efficiency by approximately 10%. They require regular maintenance, which may be performed by a knowledgeable system user.
Other renewable energy sources, such as solar electric modules, may also be used in conjunction with a wind turbine.
Grid-tied wind power systems use a wind turbine to interface wind-generated electricity with existing electric utility power. They are also referred to as 'utility-intertie' or 'utility-interactive' wind power systems.
- In a grid-tie wind power system, DC electricity is generated by a wind turbine.
- Next, the DC electricity is converted into usable AC power by an utility-interactive inverter.
Batteries may be employed as a part of grid-tie system architecture, to provide backup power in the event of an outage. Adding batteries will reduce system efficiency by approximately 10%. They require regular maintenance, which may be performed by a knowledgeable system user.
Other renewable energy sources, such as solar electric modules, may also be used in conjunction with a wind turbine.
How Off-Grid Wind Power Systems Work
Off-grid wind power systems provide electricity when and where there is no existing power source, such as utility power. They are also referred to as 'stand-alone' wind power systems.
Using an off-grid system eliminates dependence on the utility grid. People may use an off-grid system because they live in an isolated area away from utility power, for economic reasons, or wish to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
1: In an off-grid wind power system, a wind turbine generates DC electricity.
2: Next, the DC electricity must be diverted into batteries for storage. A battery bank (set of batteries connected together) serves as the primary power storage source for the system.
Batteries may be charged not only by the wind turbine, but also by a fossil-fuel powered generator or additional renewable energy source, such as solar electric modules. Batteries require periodic maintenance, which may be performed by an informed system user.
3: Finally, the energy stored in the battery bank can be used as DC power, or converted by an inverter for use as AC power.
Off-grid wind power systems provide electricity when and where there is no existing power source, such as utility power. They are also referred to as 'stand-alone' wind power systems.
Using an off-grid system eliminates dependence on the utility grid. People may use an off-grid system because they live in an isolated area away from utility power, for economic reasons, or wish to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
1: In an off-grid wind power system, a wind turbine generates DC electricity.
2: Next, the DC electricity must be diverted into batteries for storage. A battery bank (set of batteries connected together) serves as the primary power storage source for the system.
Batteries may be charged not only by the wind turbine, but also by a fossil-fuel powered generator or additional renewable energy source, such as solar electric modules. Batteries require periodic maintenance, which may be performed by an informed system user.
3: Finally, the energy stored in the battery bank can be used as DC power, or converted by an inverter for use as AC power.
