A wind turbine works by converting the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy through several key steps:

• Wind moves the blades: The turbine has large blades shaped like airplane wings (airfoils). When wind flows over these blades, it creates a difference in air pressure on either side, producing lift that causes the blades to spin

• Blades turn the rotor and shaft: The spinning blades are connected to a hub that rotates a low-speed shaft inside the nacelle (the box at the top of the tower)

• Gearbox increases rotation speed: Because the blades spin relatively slowly, the low-speed shaft connects to a gearbox that increases the rotation speed by turning a high-speed shaft

• Generator produces electricity: The high-speed shaft spins the rotor inside a generator, where magnets rotate past coils of wire, inducing an electric current. This converts mechanical energy into electrical energy

• Electricity is transmitted: The generated electricity flows down cables inside the tower to a transformer, which increases the voltage for efficient transmission to the power grid

• Turbine orientation: A controller and wind vane ensure the turbine faces into the wind to maximize efficiency by rotating the nacelle as wind direction changes

In summary, wind turbines harness wind energy by spinning blades that drive a generator through a gearbox, producing electricity that is then sent to the grid for use in homes and businesses