Wind has always been used as an energy source, whether for wind-powered sailboats or flour mills. As an energy source, it is endless. It is also used nowadays for electricity production. Its basic principle is quite simple, and is actually similar to hydraulic power stations: The wind turns a turbine, which spin magnets that produce electricity.
This is essentially an example of energy transformation; kinetic energy (motion energy) becomes electrical energy.
This video describes how a wind-powered power plant works:
The video was translated by the Davidson Online team. The video was produced by the Norwegian power company Statkraft.
The principle of a wind-powered power plant is identical to that of a hydroelectric power station or a wave farm, and is based on moving the turbine to move magnets that create the electric current. The station consists of large blades around a rotor. The wind turns the blades, which then turn the rotor. The motion of the rotor creates a magnetic field that creates electricity, which then enters the power grid.
In Israel, there are a few wind turbines in the Golan Heights, providing cheap and clean energy to the residents. A lone windmill does not produce a significant amount of power, but a “wind farm” located at high altitudes can provide enough electricity for an entire area.
By Erez Gerty
The Department for Biological Chemistry
Note to readers
If you think the explanations are not sufficiently clear, or if you have any questions on the topic, you’re welcome to write to us in the comments section below and we will respond. Suggestions for improvement and constructive criticism are always welcome.