How Does Wind Power Work?

The wind is a renewable energy source which we can convert into electricity with a turbine. As air flows across the blades, the turbine spins into motion. They spin the rotor, which in turn powers the generator creating electricity.

For wind turbines to work effectively, there must be three contributing factors: 1. The sun must unevenly heat the atmosphere. 2. There must be an uneven surface to the earth. 3. Our planet has to rotate. Working together, these factors create wind. The wind is air in motion. Warm air weighs less than cold air, and when warm air rises and is replaced by cool air, the result is wind. Because climates and environment differ across the globe, some countries, and their environments, are far better suited to this type of energy generation. That is also why we see wind turbines built, on the majority, at sea. Due to the fact, the air renewal rate is much higher, so too are the winds.

How Wind Powers The Turbine

When the wind flows across a turbine, much like a helicopter blade, or aeroplane's wing, it creates a difference in pressure. This pressure difference causes both drag and lift at the same time, which makes the rotor spin. It is this aerodynamic force, the same that allows humans flight, that will enable us to generate electricity through the generator. There are two types of generator, a direct drive or a series of gears (much like a gearbox). For smaller structures, gears may be used to increase the speed of rotation and generate more electricity.

Exploring 4C Offshore map layers

4C Offshore’s Global Offshore Wind Farm map shows all the offshore wind farms in the world as well as other assets including vessels active in the market. The map has information layers but the initial view only shows the wind farms. You will need to activate the other layers.

To do this, first open the map on the website, then click on the 'eye' icon in the top right hand corner.

This will open a drop down menu of all the elements including vessels and their different categories, wind farm infrastructure, and interconnectors. You can select and deselect as required activating the map layers.

The example below shows the different vessel categories.

The map now shows the activated layer.

In this example, the small triangles represent the vessels working in the market. The data is 'live' although there is about a 15 minute delay. For further details about the vessel, you can click each vessel on the map.

As you zoom in on the map, more details, including turbine locations, array and export cables and substations, will be seen. Clicking on some elements will activate a dialogue box with more details.

If you need help with this function or any other aspects of the 4C Offshore website, please call the team on +44 1502 307037 or email info@4coffshore.net.

Exploring 4C Offshore map layers

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