Types

• Wind turbines have two fundamental designs. Vertical-axis turbines are designed in the shape of egg beaters and horizontal-axis turbines are shaped like traditional windmills. Horizontal-axis turbines are the most common type of wind machines in use today.
  
  

Parts

• Components for wind turbines include electrical cables, tower, drive train, and blades. Wind turbines connected to an electrical grid must also have ground support equipment.
  
  

Blades

• Wind turbine blades changes the kinetic (motion) energy contained within the wind into mechanical energy in order for a drive train to perform the required work to produce electricity through the use of a generator.
  
  

Drive Train

• When mechanical energy turns the blades it also rotates a drive train, which turns the gearbox and the generator. The gearbox and the generator actually produce the electricity.
  
  

Tower

• A turbine tower supports the rotor and drive train plus the other components and equipment connected to its structure.