Wind turbines: how they work and what their advantages are
Environment — di Money.it
Alternative energy sources combine reliable technology with low operating and maintenance costs, while emitting no CO2 emissions.
Wind turbines: how they work and what their advantages are
Alternative energy sources combine reliable technology with low operating and maintenance costs, while emitting no CO2 emissions.
Wind turbines wind turbines, also known as aerogenerators or wind turbines, are able to generate and produce energy by harnessing air currents.
They are made up of very few, but highly sophisticated, components: the tower, whose job is to support the structure and absorb vibrations, and the nacelle, which houses the active elements of the structure (generator, brakes, actuators, rotor, etc.). In addition, the aerogenerator can rely on systems for measuring air currents and monitoring the correct operation of the machine.
The most widespread wind turbines are horizontal-axis systems, which are heavier but offer higher efficiency than vertical-axis ones. Both work thanks to the force of the wind, which sets the blades in motion, enabling energy production. Output increases along with wind speed, up to the point at which rated speed is reached — that is, the generator's maximum power output.
The rotor therefore converts kinetic energy into mechanical energy, which is subsequently converted into electrical energy by the electricity generator.
Wind turbines: environmental and economic benefits
The production of this green electricity delivers enormous environmental benefits: it is renewable and the structure has a small environmental footprint. Wind turbines combine reliable technology with low operating and maintenance costs, while emitting no CO2 whatsoever.
However, the installation of wind turbines does have drawbacks: the environmental impact, although lower than that of other plants, is significant in the locations where they are built. Noise pollution must also be taken into account, as must the considerable installation costs, which require public support in the form of incentives and tax relief.
Wind energy is nonetheless the least expensive renewable energy, thanks above all to technological progress: in Italy, the installation cost of a 600 kW horizontal turbine ranges between 900 and 1,300 €/kW, with contained maintenance costs estimated at between 0.035 and 0.045 €/kWh.
The in-depth coverage of this news item, produced by the editorial team, is on Money.it