Wind power generation
Wind power generation is a method of generating electricity whereby the force of the wind spins a wind turbine, which produces electricity in a generator connected to the wind turbine. Like solar, wind is not depleted no matter how much is used, so it has been widely adopted around the world and efforts are underway in Japan to expand its use. Renewable Japan will continue to actively develop wind power to ensure a stable supply of electricity.
Features of wind power generation
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It is a clean and environmentally friendly power generation method that does not produce exhaust gas or CO2 while generating power as long as the wind is present with no risk of resource depletion.
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A constant wind speed is required to generate power, and power cannot be generated when the wind is weak or during typhoons, but power can be generated day and night if a constant wind is blowing.
How wind power generation works
When wind is caught by the blades of the windmill, kinetic energy is generated. This kinetic energy is transmitted to the gearbox in the nacelle, amplified until the rotational speed required for generating electricity is reached, and then it is converted to electricity. (Some windmills have the blades and generator connected directly with shafts (rotors) without using a gearbox.) In addition, a brake system is installed inside the nacelle, which is used to stop the windmill as needed when inspection is necessary, when a typhoon comes, or in other cases.