Page 51 - “GREENING” THE CONTENT IN CXC® SYLLABUSES

E-LEARNING MODULES AND LEARNING GUIDE FOR TEACHERS

Uses, Components of a wind turbine, Types of wind turbines.

The general uses of wind energy are for water pumping and electricity generation.

Components of a wind turbine

SOURCE: Center on Globalization, Governance and Competitiveness, Duke University

The four main parts of the wind turbine are the tower, generator, nacelle, and blades.

❖ The tower is made of concrete or steel and supports the structure of the wind turbine.
The towers are built at various heights. The higher the tower, the more energy is captured
and in turn generate more electricity.
❖ The generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy.

❖ The nacelle houses a wind turbine’s generator, gearbox, low and high-speed shafts,
controller, and brake.
❖ The blades lift and rotate when the wind is blown over which causes the rotor to spin.
Most wind turbines have two or three blades.

Types of wind turbines

There are basically two types of wind turbines, that is, horizontal axis wind turbines and vertical
axis wind turbines.

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