How does wind energy work?

Wind energy is one of the most plentiful sources of renewable energy on the planet. But how exactly do those big white windmills you see off in the distance actually make electricity? Let’s find out!

How Do Wind Turbines Work?

Wind turbines are essentially large propellers situated at the tops of giant rods. They’re placed on hillsides, large open fields, shorelines, and in other windy areas. The wind moves the blades, and the blades in turn spin a rotor. The rotor then runs through a gearbox which spins a generator that creates electricity.

Are There Different Types of Wind Turbines?

There are two main types of wind turbines that generate renewable energy:

• Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT) – These are the most common variety of wind turbine. They resemble giant fans and can rotate from side to side to adjust for the direction of the wind, much like a weathervane.

• Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) – These wind turbines are shaped like eggbeaters or a strand of DNA. The advantage these models have is that they don’t have to face a specific direction in order to be effective at producing energy.

How Big Are Wind Turbines?

The average wind turbine you’ll see in a field while driving on the highway is around 300 feet tall. However, wind turbines come in all shapes and sizes. Some wind turbines are small enough to be installed in a residential backyard. On the other hand, the newer offshore wind turbines can be over 600 feet tall.

Out of the Air and Into the Home

Wind energy is growing in accessibility and popularity across the United States. At IGS Energy, we’re doing our part to help save the planet by offering electricity products that are generated by 100% renewable energy, like wind.

If you’d like to power your home with clean, renewable electricity, take a look at what we offer today.