WIND TURBINE ENERGY in MALAYSIA

Example of wind turbine energy

WHAT IS WIND TURBINE ENERGY

• Wind turbines is a device to convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. 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.

HOW WIND TURBINE ENERGY WORK

• Wind power involves converting wind energy into electricity by using wind turbines. A wind turbine is composed of 3 propellers-like blades called a rotor. The rotor is attached to a tall tower. The tower looks like a very tall pole. On average wind towers are about 20m high. The reason why the tower is so tall is because winds are stronger higher from the ground. Wind comes from atmospheric changes, changes in temperature and pressure makes the air move around the surface of the earth; all of which is triggered by the sun. So in a way, wind energy is another form of solar power. A wind turbine captures the wind to produce energy. The wind makes the rotor spin; as the rotor spins, the movement of the blades spinning gives power to a generator which makes energy. The motion of the wind turbine turning is called kinetic energy, this power is converted into electricity.
  
  

EXAMPLE OF WIND TURBINE MECHANISM

A typical wind turbine consists of the following components:

• The Tower

              Towers are mostly cylindrical, made of steel, painted light grey, and from 25 to 75 metres in height .               

• Rotor Blades

Wind turbines can have from one to three rotor blades, made of fibreglass-reinforced polyester or wood-epoxy.  The blades are usually between 30 and 80 metres in diameter. The longer the blades, the greater the energy output. They rotate at 10-30 revolutions per minute at constant speed, although an increasing number of machines operate at a variable speed. The blades can be rotated to change the pitch angle and modify power output.

• The Yaw Mechanism

The yaw mechanism turns the turbine to face the wind.

• Wind Speed & Direction Monitor

Sensors are used to monitor wind direction and the tower head is turned to line up with the wind. Power is controlled automatically as wind speed varies and machines are stopped at very high wind speeds to protect them from damage.

• The Gear Box

Most wind turbines have gearboxes, although there are increasing numbers with direct drives.