How a Wind Turbine Works

This online engineering PDH course provides an overview of wind turbines and presents the basic features, components, types and operating principles of the most commonly used wind turbines in the industry.

Wind is a form of solar energy caused by a combination of three concurrent events: the sun unevenly heating the atmosphere, irregularities of the earth's surface, and the rotation of the earth. The terms "wind energy" and "wind power" both describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity.

Wind turbines work on a simple principle: instead of using electricity to make wind—like a fan—wind turbines use wind to make electricity. Wind turns the propeller-like blades of a turbine around a rotor, which spins a generator, which creates electricity.

This 1 PDH online course is applicable to mechanical and electrical engineers and energy specialists who are interested in learning more about wind turbines and their basic operating principles.