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Wind power basics
  A smart combination
  Combining wind and water
  Why water and wind are complementary
  Wind power in Québec
  Wind power at Hydro-Québec
 

Wind Power and Hydropower

Image: Wind Power Basics

Wind power is generated by the force wind exerts on the blades of a turbine, causing the shaft of the turbine to rotate at a speed of 10 to 20 revolutions per minute (rpm). The shaft is connected to an alternator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Image: The amount of energy generated by a wind turbine depends on
 
wind speed (main factor)
the area swept by the blades
air density
 

Take a closer look

 

Image: Wind turbines require
a minimum wind speed (generally 12–14 km/h), to begin to turn and generate electricity
strong winds (50–60 km/h) to generate at full capacity
winds of less than 90 km/h; beyond that speed, the turbines must be stopped to avoid damage

 

Image: Since wind speed increases with elevation above ground, wind generators are installed on towers that are often as tall as a 20-story building.

 

 
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