Wind energy is one of the most important sources in the transition to renewable energy. Wind turbine technology, which stands out with its clean and sustainable structure, enables the conversion of wind into electricity. These turbines, which are typically used in open areas where the wind is strong, come in multiple varieties. So, how does a wind turbine work? What are the types of wind turbines? Let's answer these questions.

How does a wind turbine work?

Wind turbines are systems that convert the kinetic energy in the wind first into mechanical energy and then into electrical energy. A typical wind turbine consists of a tower, a generator, speed converters, electronic components and blades. These turbines can vary in size depending on their intended use and their performance depends on the wind speed and the length of the blades. Despite their simple working principle, wind turbines can generate large amounts of electricity.

“Wind turbines are systems that convert the kinetic energy in the wind first into mechanical energy and then into electrical energy.”

The working principle of wind turbines is as follows:

• The wind causes the blades, which are mounted on a rotor (the rotating part of the turbine) to spin.
• The rotation of the blades activates the generator connected to the rotor.
• The generator converts mechanical energy into electricity.
• The generated electricity can be stored using various methods or delivered directly to consumers.

What are the types of wind turbines?

Wind turbines can have many features that differentiate them from each other. They can be classified according to their rotation axes, speeds, powers, number of blades, wind effect, gear features and installation locations. However, they can be primarily classified into two main types based on the rotation of their rotors: horizontal-axis and vertical-axis turbines. Let's take a closer look at these types:

Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWT)

Horizontal-axis turbines- which resemble airplane wings- are the most commonly used commercial wind turbines. They are typically positioned parallel to the direction of the prevailing wind. The blades are oriented perpendicular to the wind direction. As the number of blades decreases, the rotation speed increases, leading to improved turbine efficiency. Horizontal-axis wind turbines with three blades are often used in large-scale wind farms that generate significant amounts of electricity.

Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWT)

Vertical-axis wind turbines consist of blades connected to a central vertical rotor shaft, both above and below the rotor. These turbines have lower efficiency compared to horizontal-axis turbines and are mainly used for experimental purposes rather than commercial applications. They do not require a tower for installation and can be positioned directly on the land. They can adapt to changing wind directions without the need for a yaw system. There are two main types of vertical-axis wind turbines: Darrieus and Savonius.

Darrieus-type: Designed by French engineer George Darrieus in 1931, these turbines have a vertical-axis rotor that spins due to the effect of the wind, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Their vertical-axis rotation allows them to be effective in high-wind conditions. However, they may struggle to operate in low-wind conditions due to their low starting speeds. Darrieus turbines are often more compact and visually appealing.

Savonius-type: Savonius wind turbines consist of two half-cylinder blades attached to a vertical rotor shaft. These turbines are known for their simple design and low maintenance requirements. They can be effective even in low-wind conditions but generally have lower efficiency compared to horizontal-axis turbines. They are often used for applications like water pumping and wind measurement.

We believe in the power of clean energy

As SOCAR Türkiye, we are developing projects to promote the use of renewable energy with our leading position in the industry. With our Petkim RES project, we meet a significant portion of the energy needs of our facilities in Aliağa with a total production capacity of 51 MW from 17 wind turbines. Our most significant investment in the renewable energy field -Petkim RES has the potential to meet the annual electricity consumption of 40,000 households with its annual production volume.

With the International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC) of Petkim RES, we aim to increase Türkiye’s renewable energy capacity. Additionally, we prevent approximately 120,000 tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere each year. As part of our decarbonization strategy, we are implementing initiatives in energy efficiency, electrification and resource management to reduce carbon emissions by an average of 1% annually by 2025. Our goal is to achieve a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. We are working for a better tomorrow with today's energy.