Wind Turbine
How does wind become electricity?
Experiment with the number and position of the rotor blades to find out how to convert wind energy into electricity as efficiently as possible.
The Science Behind It
The airflow hits the angled blades and exerts a force on them, causing the rotor to turn. The shape and angle of the blades determine how efficiently wind energy is used. As the rotor turns, a generator converts its kinetic energy into electrical energy. The faster the turbine spins, the more electricity it generates and the brighter the LEDs shine. Speed is not the only factor: too many blades, or blades positioned incorrectly, can slow the airflow and reduce rotation. This exhibit shows how important the combination of blade shape, angle, and number is for generating energy, just as it is in real wind turbines.
