Modern wind turbines have become sophisticated power plants while the concept of converting wind energy to electrical energy remains quite simple. Follow these links to learn more about the science behind wind turbine technology.
The animation shows how moving air rotates a wind turbine's blades and describes how the internal components work to produce electricity. It shows small and large wind turbines and the differences between how they are used, as stand alone or connected to the utility grid.
Learn how wind turbines make electricity; what are the types, sizes, and applications of wind turbines; and see an illustration of the components inside a wind turbine.
Read about how wind research conducted at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) has led to the development of multi-megawatt wind turbines that produce electricity at a cost that is starting to compete with conventional energy sources in the marketplace. To make wind energy fully cost competitive and increase wind energy development, researchers at the NWTC are working in partnership with industry to develop larger, more efficient, utility-scale wind turbines for land-based and offshore installations, as well as more efficient, quieter small wind turbines for distributed applications. Read about current research projects, how to work with the NWTC, its facilities and staff, and more.
Learn about a wind turbine's rated capacity and actual power output.
Wind Power Technology Applied in an Off-Shore Setting
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Provides a general tutorial for off-shore wind applications.
Overview: Potential for Offshore Wind Energy in the Northeast (PDF 1 MB) Download Adobe Reader
Provides insights into the technology, technology challenges, and potential for off-shore wind development in the Northeast.
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