Wind Turbine Generator – Project File
Page 1: Aim and Scientific Principle
Aim:
To study the working of a wind turbine generator, understand how it converts wind energy into electrical
energy, and demonstrate it using a simple working model.
Scientific Principle:
• A wind turbine works on the principle of energy conversion. The moving air (wind) contains
kinetic energy.
• When the wind blows, it strikes the blades of the turbine. The blades are designed like airfoils
(similar to airplane wings) so that the force of the wind makes them rotate.
• This rotation turns the rotor shaft, which is connected to a generator.
• Inside the generator, the principle of electromagnetic induction (discovered by Michael Faraday)
is used. When a coil of wire rotates in a magnetic field, or when a magnetic field changes across a
coil, an electric current is induced.
• Hence, the wind’s kinetic energy → mechanical energy (rotation of blades) → electrical energy
(from generator).
Page 2: Components of a Wind Turbine
The main parts of a wind turbine are:
1. Blades: Capture the energy of the wind. Usually 2–3 blades, shaped like airplane wings.
2. Rotor: The hub and blades together. Converts wind energy into rotational motion.
3. Nacelle: The housing on top of the tower that contains the gearbox, generator, and other
machinery.
4. Gearbox: Increases the slow rotation of blades (20–60 rpm) into a much faster rotation (1000+
rpm) suitable for electricity generation.
5. Generator: Converts mechanical rotation into electrical energy using electromagnetic induction.
6. Tower: Provides height so that the blades reach faster, steadier winds. Made of steel or concrete.
7. Yaw Mechanism: Rotates the nacelle so blades face the wind direction.
8. Anemometer & Controller: Measure wind speed and control turbine operation.
Page 3: How the Wind Turbine Works
Step-by-step process:
1. Wind blows → blades capture kinetic energy.
2. Blades rotate → rotor spins.
3. Rotor connected to a low-speed shaft.
4. Low-speed shaft connected to gearbox. Gearbox increases speed of rotation.
5. High-speed shaft drives the generator.
6. Generator uses coils + magnets → electricity produced by electromagnetic induction.
7. Controller monitors wind speed. If the wind is too fast, brakes are applied to avoid damage.
8. The electricity generated can be used directly or supplied to the power grid after conversion to
required voltage.
This shows how a natural resource (wind) is turned into usable electrical energy without pollution.
Page 4: Construction of a Simple Model
Materials Required:
• Small DC motor (acts as generator)
• Plastic/paper blades or fan blades
• Wooden/thermocol base
• Wires
• Small LED bulb
• Cardboard tube (as tower)
Procedure:
1. Fix the DC motor on top of the cardboard tube (tower).
2. Attach the plastic/paper blades to the motor shaft.
3. Connect wires from the motor terminals to the LED bulb.
4. Mount the setup on the base.
5. Place the model in front of a fan or in strong wind.
6. Observe: blades rotate → motor produces electricity → LED glows.
Page 5: Applications and Uses
Wind turbines are used in many areas:
• Electricity generation: Large wind farms supply electricity to the grid.
• Remote villages: Provide renewable power where grid is unavailable.
• Water pumping: Used in rural areas for irrigation.
• Battery charging: Small turbines used for charging storage batteries.
• Hybrid systems: Combined with solar panels for constant power.
• Industrial use: Factories and data centers use wind power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Page 6: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
• Renewable and never-ending source of energy.
• No pollution or greenhouse gas emissions.
• Reduces dependency on fossil fuels.
• Low operating cost once installed.
• Can be installed on land or offshore.
• Helps in sustainable development.
Disadvantages:
• High initial cost of installation.
• Requires large open land or windy areas.
• Wind is not constant; power output varies.
• Can produce noise and disturb local environment.
• Risk to birds and bats flying near blades.
Page 7: Scientific Explanation of Output
• Electromagnetic Induction: Electricity is generated when a conductor (coil) moves in a magnetic
field.
• In a wind turbine generator, the rotating shaft turns the rotor of the generator.
• The rotor has magnets around a coil (or vice versa). When the shaft rotates, the magnetic flux
changes, inducing current in the coil.
Formula:
Induced emf (ε) = – dΦ/dt
where Φ = magnetic flux.
• The faster the blades spin, the faster the change in magnetic flux, hence more electricity is
produced.
• Efficiency depends on wind speed, blade design, and generator capacity.
Page 8: Conclusion and Learning Outcome
• A wind turbine generator demonstrates how renewable energy can be converted into electricity.
• We learned the principles of energy conversion: kinetic → mechanical → electrical.
• By building a small model, the concept of electromagnetic induction becomes clear.
• Wind energy is clean, renewable, and sustainable, making it one of the best alternatives for the
future.
• This project highlights the importance of science and technology in solving energy crises and
reducing pollution.
Learning Outcome:
• Better understanding of renewable energy.
• Practical knowledge of electromagnetic induction.
• Importance of conserving resources and shifting to sustainable energy solutions.
