This page gives an overview of wind power systems. It is helpful to compare the diagram on this page with the diagrams of nuclear power, and hydro power. The diagram on this page represents a wind power system that is used to generate electricity for many people connected by wires to the electric grid. In a home wind power system, the electric controls are different because the electricity generated must be monitored and converted to the exact specifications needed for the home. In a home powered by wind power, the energy will be stored in batteries, another piece of equipment that will be inside the electric control room.

Turbine - The turbine is always found in an alternative energy power station or system before the electric generator. A wind turbine is made of two parts, the blades that move the turbine and cause it to spin, and transfering part that connects to the electric generator. The turning motion of the turbine is the motion that causes the generator to create electricity.

Generator - The generator is the part of the wind energy station that changes mechanical energy into electrical energy. For the physical process behind the generator, go to the Magnetism web page.

Blades - The blades are the equipment that utilize the kinetic energy of the wind. The blades are connected to the wind turbine. The rotation of the turbine is caused by the wind moving the blades.

Electric Controls - As in every alternative energy system, special controls are used to monitor the energy production process. In a home power system batteries keep excess power. Controls that monitor the charge of the batteries will be used to predict how much power usage the system can handle. If the things in the house are not made for direct current, then an electric inverter is used to create the alternating current wave that most appliances and electric objects need. When the system is not for home power, electric lines take take the electricity out to the electrical grid.