clearlyahead.com

The diagram below shows a simplified version of how a wind turbine converts the kinetic energy in the wind to electrical energy.

• The blades turns a shaft inside the nacelle (the box at the top of the turbine)
• The shaft goes into a gearbox which increases the rotation speed
• The generator uses magnetic fields to convert the rotational energy into electrical energy
• The power output goes to a transformer, which converts the electricity coming out of the generator at around 700 Volts
  to the right voltage for distribution system, typically 33,000 Volts
• The national grid transmits the power around the country

Turbine Diagram

(Information from bwea)