What Are Renewable Energy Turbines?

Renewable energy turbines are devices that circulate air or water to create electricity. The outer portion of renewable energy turbines consists of blades that turn in a circular motion when they interact with wind and water. Inside these turbines are mechanical shafts and motors that convert those motions into energy.

Wind farms contain multiple renewable energy turbines. They are usually positioned in rows that consistently generate electricity as long as there is wind. Renewable energy turbines typically consist of three blades that are attached to the end of a cylinder like object. In the case of wind turbines, the cylinder may sit on top of a pole that is implanted in the ground. Water turbines may be freestanding in the sense that they float on the surface of the water.

The cylinder's interior contains several controllers, motors, a pitch, and a brake. There is a gear box located near one of the cam shafts. A controller usually sits by the generator and is directly connected to a wind vane that extends to the end of the enclosed exterior. The rotor and pitch are actually a part of each blade.

Water and wind renewable energy turbines contain a generator that is stimulated by the movement of the internal motors and gears. When stimulated, the generator is responsible for producing electricity. Turbines that create electricity with wind power are either classified as vertical or horizontal. These classifications refer to the design of the turbine's axis.

Besides the wind turbines that contain three propeller blades, there are versions that resemble large fans or airplane engines. A wind cube design contains two sets of propellers in separate partitions that are attached to a tower. This design was created to sit on top of buildings, especially in space challenged cities. New designs are focused on developing turbines that can be launched into the air.

It is possible to operate wind turbines on land or place them offshore, in oceans or other bodies of water. Depending upon the power generating capacity and size of the turbines, multiple rows may be installed. Some farms or rural grasslands feature two or three turbines, while others contain an amount similar to the length of traditional electric lines.

Both wind and water turbines are considered to be clean and efficient sources of renewable energy. They provide alternatives to electricity generated by the burning of fossil fuels. Examples of fossil fuels include coal and oil.