Renewable energies
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Motilla del Palancar wind farm (Cuenca).
In many landscapes - both in rural areas and in cities - it is common to see large structures with blades rotating in the wind: wind turbines. Although they may look like simple windmills, they are actually advanced equipment that converts wind energy into electricity.
Therefore, they help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and protect the environment. In Spain, a typical wind farm can generate up to 40 GWh/year, enough to supply 15,000 households.
But how exactly do wind turbines generate renewable energy?
How wind turbines work
Wind turbines operate by harnessing the power of the wind. When the wind blows, the turbine blades rotate, converting the movement of air (kinetic energy) into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then transformed into electrical energy through a generator.
Understanding how wind turbines function and how they achieve this transformation is crucial to understanding why wind energy has taken on such an important role in Spain, accounting for more than 24% of the country's power generation.
So, how exactly do wind turbines convert wind into energy? Let’s break it down into six key points.
Six key steps in wind energy conversion
The process of converting wind energy into electricity is complex and depends on several factors:
Conversion of kinetic energy
The mechanical energy generated by the rotating blades is converted into electrical energy through a generator. The type of generator used is crucial for efficiency.
Conversion of kinetic energy
The mechanical energy generated by the rotating blades is converted into electrical energy through a generator. The type of generator used is crucial for efficiency.
Conversion of kinetic energy
The mechanical energy generated by the rotating blades is converted into electrical energy through a generator. The type of generator used is crucial for efficiency.
Blade rotation
Wind turbine blades are designed to capture the maximum amount of wind energy. They are built to be strong yet lightweight and with an aerodynamic profile that optimises kinetic energy capture.
Blade rotation
Wind turbine blades are designed to capture the maximum amount of wind energy. They are built to be strong yet lightweight and with an aerodynamic profile that optimises kinetic energy capture.
Blade rotation
Wind turbine blades are designed to capture the maximum amount of wind energy. They are built to be strong yet lightweight and with an aerodynamic profile that optimises kinetic energy capture.
Automatic operation
Wind turbines are equipped with a control system that adapts their operation to wind conditions. For example, the system adjusts the orientation of the rotor (the three-blade assembly) and the nacelle to align with the wind direction.
Automatic operation
Wind turbines are equipped with a control system that adapts their operation to wind conditions. For example, the system adjusts the orientation of the rotor (the three-blade assembly) and the nacelle to align with the wind direction.
Automatic operation
Wind turbines are equipped with a control system that adapts their operation to wind conditions. For example, the system adjusts the orientation of the rotor (the three-blade assembly) and the nacelle to align with the wind direction.
Power generation
The rotation of the blades drives the generator, which converts mechanical energy into electricity - as alternating current (AC).
Power generation
The rotation of the blades drives the generator, which converts mechanical energy into electricity - as alternating current (AC).
Power generation
The rotation of the blades drives the generator, which converts mechanical energy into electricity - as alternating current (AC).
Implementation
They are located in shallow waters (between 10 and 40 meters). They are ideal for large devices and eliminate the need for anchorage systems.
Implementation
They are located in shallow waters (between 10 and 40 meters). They are ideal for large devices and eliminate the need for anchorage systems.
Implementation
They are located in shallow waters (between 10 and 40 meters). They are ideal for large devices and eliminate the need for anchorage systems.
Voltage transformation
The electricity generated is sent to the power grid through a transformer that adjusts the voltage to meet grid requirements and minimise energy losses during distribution.
Voltage transformation
The electricity generated is sent to the power grid through a transformer that adjusts the voltage to meet grid requirements and minimise energy losses during distribution.
Voltage transformation
The electricity generated is sent to the power grid through a transformer that adjusts the voltage to meet grid requirements and minimise energy losses during distribution.
So far, we have seen how modern wind turbines work. However, have they always been the same? Let’s explore how wind turbines were used before renewable energy became a widespread concept.
Early uses of wind turbines
Modern wind turbines trace their roots back to ancient windmills, which were used for centuries to grind grain or pump water. These early devices gradually evolved into electricity-generating machines.
The transition from traditional windmills to modern wind turbines began in the late 19th century. It was at that time when the Industrial Revolution and advancements in electrical engineering paved the way for new developments. One of the earliest milestones in this transition occurred in 1887. This year, the American engineer Charles F. Brush built what is considered one of the first electric wind turbines in Cleveland, Ohio.
This turbine stood 17 meters tall and generated up to 12 kilowatts of power, enough to charge his home battery and power some lighting systems.
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Brush’s design featured 144 cedar wood blades, combining traditional techniques with innovative ideas. While this prototype was not highly efficient by today’s standards, it was a major step in proving that wind energy could be used to generate electricity.
Another pioneer of modern wind energy was Danish scientist Paul La Cour. Inspired by Brush’s model, La Cour improved its efficiency and established a research school dedicated to wind energy advancements.
His work significantly contributed to making wind turbines larger, more reliable, and more efficient.
So, after Brush’s invention in 1887, how long did it take for wind energy to arrive in Spain? Almost 100 years!
History and evolution of wind energy in Spain
The beginnings of wind energy in Spain
In Spain’s renewable energy development, Catalonia was a pioneer in wind power. On 10 March 1984, a prototype wind turbine was installed in Vilopriu (Girona), generating just 15 kW.
Shortly after, in April of the same year, the country’s first wind farm was inaugurated in Garriguella, featuring five 24 kW turbines - enough to supply 60 families. Today, a single wind turbine can power 2,500 homes.
However, Spain’s first commercial wind farm was located in the Sierra del Perdón (Navarre). It began operations in December 1994, with six 500 kW wind turbines. Within a few years, the wind farm expanded to 34 additional turbines, reaching a total capacity of 20 MW.
In 1998, Spain’s installed wind power capacity was only 760 MW, accounting for just 1.54% of the country’s electricity generation.
Wind energy today
By 2023, wind energy had become the leading source of electricity generation in Spain, with over 30,000 MW of installed capacity and covering more than 24% of national demand. With over 22,000 wind turbines in operation, the country generates more than 61,000 GWh of wind electricity annually. Projections indicate that the results for 2024 will be similar. This reaffirms wind energy's leadership in Spain's energy mix, according to the Spanish Wind Energy Association.
Spain ranks fifth in the world for installed wind power capacity, behind China, the United States, Germany, and India. In addition, it is second in Europe, just after Germany.
Los Llanos wind farm (Burgos).
Wind energy, with wind turbines at its core, is essential for the future of Spain and the world’s energy landscape. These machines not only help reduce carbon emissions but are also a key renewable energy source driving the transition toward a sustainable energy model.
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