Wind energy is energy that harnesses the force of the wind to produce electricity thanks to wind turbines, enormous devices composed of blades, axes and generators. Let's take a deeper look:

How is it produced?

Wind energy is basically made up of wind turbines —the most modern version of wind turbines—and the plain, which is usually a wind farm.

These wind turbines are the devices that make it possible to use wind energy. They are mills that have a weather vane and an anemometer to measure the direction and speed of the wind and act accordingly. If the wind force exceeds 90 km/h, the wind turbine is stopped and its blades are placed “on the flag”, that is, they rotate on themselves, to offer the least possible resistance and avoid safety risks.

The rotor blades receive the wind and transmit their force through the low-speed shaft. These blades can measure up to 60 meters. This shaft rotates at the same speed as the blades —7 to 12 revolutions per minute, which is insufficient to produce electricity—but, when attached to a multiplier —a gear system—, it transmits 50 times higher rotational speed to the secondary or high-speed shaft —1,500 revolutions per minute—.

How is energy transported?

A generator, which is connected to the secondary axis, then converts the mechanical energy of rotation into electrical energy. This energy is direct current, which travels down the enormous mast to a converter placed in the base. This converter will transform direct current into alternating current and the transformer will raise its voltage so that it is possible to distribute electricity with the lowest possible energy losses.

This alternating current is directed to the substation and, from there, to homes, thanks to the work of electrical distributors and the consumer network.

How important is it?

The global commitment to renewable energy augurs a good future for these sources, including wind power.

For this reason, everything seems to indicate that expectations for wind energy are high and its future is better than ever. It is expected that the wind will continue to provide much of the electrical energy that reaches businesses and homes for many years. At the end of the day, it is sustainable energy that is responsible for the environment that surrounds our communities.

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