Enel - Visita alle Centrali

Transformer

The electricity produced by the alternator is transmitted to the transformer which increases the tension and lowers the current, before sending it into the distribution network, to minimize power losses in the network which depend on the square of the current.

Anemometer

It is the instrument that measures the direction and the intensity of the wind.

Control System

The control system, usually placed at the base of the aero generator, continuously monitores the operating parameters of the aero generator: from the rotor's (rotation) speed to generator's functioning (electrical parameters of production).

Alternator

The electric generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Gearbox

The gearbox is used to transform the slow rotation of the blades in a faster rotation (1500 rpm) capable of operating the electricity generator.

Yaw System

The support -servo mechanism enables to orient the car or nacelle according to the direction of the wind.

Rotor

Through a gearbox, the rotor activates a shaft speed which in turn powers the electric generator. The rotor converts the wind's kinetic energy into mechanical energy and transmitts it to a generator.

Tower

The tower supports the car or nacelle and the rotor

Hydroelectric

Combined cycle

Photovoltaic


	Wind

	Aero generator
	Anemometer
	Control System
	Yaw System
	Alternator
	Gearbox
	Rotor
	Tower
	Transformer

Geothermal

Coal

A wind power plant consists of a group of aero generators of medium (600-900 kW) or large (> 1MW) size, arranged over the territory in order to better exploit the wind resource of the site; the aero generators are connected together electrically through underground conduits. The wind power plant is associated with a delivery car-station, which in turn is connected to the national grid.
The aero generators consist essentially of a car or nacelle, supported by a metal structure, which is connected to a rotor, which in turn consists of a set of blades mounted on a hub and designed to steal part of the wind's kinetic energy, so as to transform it into mechanical energy. When the wind blows the rotor spins, thus activating the electrical generator which, via a gearbox, has the function to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
The wind's kinetic energy is transmitted from the rotor to a generator connected to the control and transformation systems which regulate the production of electricity and any network connection. The electricity produced in the car is piped to the ground through electrical cables; the same thing happens to the signals needed to control the proper functioning of the aero generator.

Wind power is the worldwide most successful source for electricity generation. In the ten years going from 2000 to 2009, wind installed capacity grew at an extraordinary rate, rising from just over 10,200 MW to about 130,000 MW. Furthermore, future perspectives are even more encouraging: indeed, it is estimated that wind farms will attain in 2015 an overall installed capacity of 425,000 MW.
Wind energy can be produced not only in large plants, but also in distributed generation systems. That is to say, through small capacity wind generators (up to 200 kW), capable of feeding homes or businesses and, at the same time, generating power to be injected into the national grid. These systems are particularly suitable for single homes, as well as for agriculture, tourism and small and medium businesses.
Thanks to technological advance and to the introduction of specific incentivating mechanisms, these wind distributed generation systems are increasingly expanding, even if only in areas with sufficient wind speed. In any case, they allow to obtain true economic benefits, while significantly helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.