Energy Basics
This type of energy, possessed by moving air particles, is harnessed by wind turbines.
kinetic energy
Most modern large wind turbines use this axis configuration for higher efficiency.
horizontal axis
This composite material, made of fine glass fibers and resin, is commonly used in wind turbine blade construction.
fiberglass
A wind farm of 200 large turbines could power this many American homes for a year.
over 150,000
Unlike this fossil fuel, wind is a renewable resource that is replenished daily.
coal or oil
Albert Betz calculated that wind turbines can only ever capture this percentage of wind's energy.
59.3%
This process involves rotating a horizontal axis wind turbine's nacelle to face the wind.
yawing
Modern blades incorporate this feature to optimize how much of the blade can cut into the wind.
a twist
In 2019, the largest wind turbine ever built began operating off the coast of this European country.
the Netherlands
Wind turbines have been converting wind energy into usable power since this century.
19th century
This energy associated with the spinning of the turbine's rotor is converted into electricity.
rotational energy
Increasing this measurement allows turbines to capture more wind energy.
rotor diameter
This low-pressure area forms on the upper surface of a wind turbine blade, creating lift.
pressure pocket
One of the largest offshore wind turbines can meet the annual power needs of this many European households.
16,000
Every 24 hours, wind generates enough kinetic energy to produce this many times more electricity than humanity uses each day.
35 times