Wind energy how does it work

In fact, when the wind speed doubles, up to eight times more electricity is generated. But if the wind is too strong, turbines will shut themselves down to prevent being damaged. All this means that the ability of a wind turbine to generate the maximum amount of power it can depends on the wind. This tends to be on the summit of a hilltop with lots of open space around, and in coastal locations.

The wind blows all year round — making wind power a reliable renewable power source. Both of these points make the UK well positioned to make the most of both offshore and onshore wind power and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. This demonstrates just how fast wind power capacity in the UK is growing. There are roughly 8, onshore wind turbines and 2, offshore turbines in the UK. Go to RenewableUK for the latest statistics.

Also in Hydrocarbon gas liquids explained Hydrocarbon gas liquids Where do hydrocarbon gas liquids come from? Transporting and storing Uses of hydrocarbon gas liquids Imports and exports Prices. Also in Natural gas explained Natural gas Delivery and storage Natural gas pipelines Liquefied natural gas Where our natural gas comes from Imports and exports How much gas is left Use of natural gas Prices Factors affecting natural gas prices Natural gas and the environment Customer choice programs.

Also in Coal explained Coal Mining and transportation Where our coal comes from Imports and exports How much coal is left Use of coal Prices and outlook Coal and the environment. Renewable sources. Renewable energy. Biofuels: Ethanol and Biomass-based diesel. Also in Hydropower explained Hydropower Where hydropower is generated Hydropower and the environment Tidal power Wave power Ocean thermal energy conversion.

Also in Biofuels explained Biofuels Ethanol Use and supply of ethanol Ethanol and the environment Biomass-based diesel fuels Use of biomass-based diesel fuel Biomass-based diesel and the environment. Also in Wind explained Wind Electricity generation from wind Where wind power is harnessed Types of wind turbines History of wind power Wind energy and the environment. Also in Geothermal explained Geothermal Where geothermal energy is found Use of geothermal energy Geothermal power plants Geothermal heat pumps Geothermal energy and the environment.

Also in Solar explained Solar Photovoltaics and electricity Where solar is found and used Solar thermal power plants Solar thermal collectors Solar energy and the environment. Secondary sources. Also in Electricity explained Electricity The science of electricity Magnets and electricity Batteries, circuits, and transformers Measuring electricity How electricity is generated Electricity in the United States Generation, capacity, and sales Delivery to consumers Use of electricity Prices and factors affecting prices Electricity and the environment.

Also in Hydrogen explained Hydrogen Production of hydrogen Use of hydrogen. Also on Energy Explained U. Wind turbines generate electricity by using the natural power in the wind. The rotating blades turn a shaft inside the nacelle, which goes into the gearbox. The gearbox increases that rotation speed for the generator, which uses magnetic fields to convert the rotational energy into electrical energy. Some turbines use direct drive technology, which connects the rotating hub directly to the generator.

The grid or local network transmits the electricity into homes and businesses. When the wind changes direction, motors turn the nacelle, and the blades along with it, to face into the wind this movement is called yaw. How wind energy works.