Wind Turbine Energy Applications
Manufacturing Engineering
Lesson Plan
Performance Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will be able to discuss the purpose of wind turbine energy components
to the teacher’s satisfaction.
Specific Objectives
 Identify key components of a wind turbine.
 Describe wind turbine theory of operation.
 Demonstrate knowledge of a wind turbine generator by explaining the purpose of each component.
 Communicate knowledge of wind energy as a renewable resource, the conservation of natural
resources, and the protection of our planet.
 Identify wind turbine energy applications and the positive impact this technology has on the
environment.
 Research unique wind turbine generators used around the world.
 Research and compile a list of companies that produce wind turbine generators.
 Create a slide presentation of wind turbine generators used in the United States and Europe and how
well they meet customer needs.
Terms
 Anemometer - an instrument (gauge) used to measure wind speed; the data is used to understand the
wind speed and direction attributes at specific locations.
 Yaw drive assembly - a gear and motor assembly that keeps the rotor and blades facing into the wind
at all times to ensure the wind turbine is working at maximum efficiency. The assembly turns the
generator automatically to face into the wind as the wind direction changes.
 Wind vane - an instrument used to sense wind direction and provide a signal to the yaw drive assembly
to rotate the wind turbine into the desired direction of the wind.
 Wind turbine rated capacity - wind energy produced by a wind turbine at its rated wind speed.
 Wind turbine generator - a wind-driven generator used to create electricity, mounted on a tower.
 Variable speed wind turbines - a wind turbine generator designed to allow the rotor speed to vary as
the wind speed changes, for consistent power output.
 Tower - the mounting structure that houses the wind turbine generator and the related components of
an operational system. Some towers are built many stories high to access more wind.
 Step-up gearbox - increases power production by transferring the rotor shaft revolutions to the
generator shaft, multiplying the number of overall revolutions from the generator.
 Rotor - the center section of the wind turbine generator that connects the blades and the hub.
 Nacelle - the housing for all key wind turbine components, mounted on top of the tower.
 Controller - a device that starts the generator at low wind speeds (10-15 miles per hour) and shuts off
the generator at high wind speeds (over 55 miles per hour) to prevent generator damage.
 Blades - large fins made of fiberglass or aluminum (up to 160 feet in length) that extend from the
generator hub and are driven by the wind.
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1

Brake - a device operated by electrical, hydraulic, or mechanical power, used to stop the wind turbine
generator for maintenance, or in an emergency.
Time
This lesson should take approximately 180 minutes (introduction: 45 minutes; presentation: 90 minutes; and
quiz: 45 minutes).
Preparation
TEKS Correlations
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result
in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Manufacturing Engineering
 130.329 (c)
o (7) The student knows mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal systems. The student is
expected to:
(A) use pneumatics devices;
(B) use hydraulics devices;
(C) analyze the effects of heat energy and temperature on products;
Interdisciplinary Correlations
English Language Arts and Reading, English I
 110.31 (b)
o (1) Reading/Vocabulary Development. Students understand new vocabulary and use it
when reading and writing.
Occupational Correlation (O*Net) – www.onetonline.org/ )
Job Title: Wind Turbine Service Technicians
O*Net Number: 49-9081.00
Reported Job: Field Service Technician; Wind Farm Support Specialist; Wind Technician; Wind Turbine Service
Technician; Wind Turbine Technician
Tasks
 Diagnose problems involving wind turbine generators or control systems.
 Climb wind turbine towers to inspect, maintain, or repair equipment.
 Test electrical components of wind systems with devices such as voltage testers, multimeters,
oscilloscopes, infrared testers, or fiber optic equipment.
 Start or restart wind turbine generator systems to ensure proper operations.
 Troubleshoot or repair mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions related to variable pitch
systems, variable speed control systems, converter systems, or related components.
 Maintain tool and spare parts inventories required for repair, installation, or replacement services.
 Perform routine maintenance on wind turbine equipment, underground transmission systems, wind
fields substations, or fiber optic sensing and control systems.
 Test structures, controls, or mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical systems, according to test plans or in
coordination with engineers.
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
Inspect or repair fiberglass turbine blades.
Soft Skills
 Active listening
 Critical thinking
 Operation monitoring
 Equipment maintenance
 Repairing
 Troubleshooting
Accommodations for Learning Differences
These lessons accommodate the needs of every learner. Modify the lessons to accommodate your students
with learning differences by referring to the files found on the Special Populations page of this website.
Preparation
 Review the terminology, website links, and the slide presentation.
 Have materials ready prior to the start of the lesson, including the slide presentation and websites.
References
 Webster’s new compact office dictionary (2003). New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing
Co.
Instructional Aids
 Wind Turbine Energy Applications slide presentation and notes
 Warm-Up Activity (slide 3)
 Wind Turbine Energy Terms and Definitions handout for each student
 Wind Turbine Energy Terms and Definitions Answer Key
 Wind Turbine Energy Applications Quiz for each student
 Wind Turbine Energy Applications Quiz Answer Key
Introduction
The purpose of this lesson is for students to understand wind turbine energy components and applications.
Students will also understand the positive impact this technology has on the environment as a renewable
energy source.

Say
o The power of the wind is observed every day around our planet.

Ask
o Why would it be a good idea to have a wind turbine power generator in your backyard?

Say
o We will discuss the growth of wind turbine technology and how it is becoming a viable alternative
as a renewable energy source.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
3

Show
o Videos or photos of wind turbines used today.
Outline
OUTLINE
MI
NOTES TO TEACHER
I.
Introduction of lesson
A. Bell Work Activity
B. Warm-Up Activity
Begin Wind Turbine Energy
Applications slide
presentation.
II.
Wind turbine energy production
A. Overview
B. The growth of wind farms
Have students work on the
Bell Work Activity.
(Slide 2)
III.
Discussion
A. Wind turbine components
B. Wind turbine theory of operation
IV.
Research
A. Unique ways wind turbines are
designed and used to create
electrical power around the world.
B. More jobs in manufacturing and
maintenance due to the increased
use of wind turbine energy
technology
Warm-Up Activity
Distribute Wind Turbine
Energy Applications Terms
and Definitions handout.
Have students (in pairs) teach
each other the
terms and definitions. They
may do computer-based
research to look up the
meaning.
(Slide 3)
V.
VI.
Slide Presentation Assignment
A. Compile a list of companies that
produce wind turbines.
B. Include photos and details of high
paying jobs in the wind turbine
technology career field.
C. Include schools that specialize in
training workers in wind turbine
technology for jobs available in the
foreseeable future.
D. Show examples of wind turbine
applications.
Wind Turbine Energy Quiz
Review wind turbine energy.
(Slides 4-8)
Have each student create a
slide presentation and then
discuss each slide.
Challenge classmates to
contribute to the discussion.
(Slide 9)
Distribute quiz and grade
using answer key.
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Multiple Intelligences Guide
Existentialist
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Kinesthetic/
Bodily
Logical/
Mathematical
Musical/Rhythmic
Naturalist
Verbal/Linguistic
Visual/Spatial
Application
Guided Practice
The students use the Internet to research
 unique ways wind turbines are designed and used to create electrical power; and
 how the increased use of wind turbine energy technology has created more jobs in various
manufacturing and maintenance sectors.
Independent Practice
The students will
 research and compile a list of companies that produce wind turbines; and
 create a slide presentation with photos and details about high paying jobs in the wind turbine
technology career field.
Summary
Review
Students review the terms from the Warm-up Activity and key points from Wind Turbine Energy Applications
slide presentation.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment
Teacher will assess students with questions and answers. Students will discuss definitions of terms and key
points from the Wind Turbine Energy Applications slide presentation.
Formal Assessment
Teacher will administer the Wind Turbine Energy Applications Quiz
Enrichment
Extension
Students will research on the Internet schools that specialize in training workers in wind turbine technology
for jobs available in the foreseeable future.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
5
Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
Wind Turbine Energy Applications
Terms and Definitions
Directions
Use the Internet to research the definitions to the wind turbine terms below.
1. Anemometer
2. Yaw drive assembly
3. Wind vane
4. Wind turbine rated capacity
5. Wind turbine generator
6. Variable speed wind turbines
7. Tower
8. Step-up gearbox
9. Rotor
10. Nacelle
11. Controller
12. Blades
13. Brake
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
6
Wind Turbine Energy Applications
Terms and Definitions
Answer Key
1. Anemometer- an instrument (gauge) used to measure wind speed; the data is used to understand the
wind speed and direction attributes at specific locations.
2. Yaw drive assembly- a gear and motor assembly that keeps the rotor and blades facing into the wind
at all times to ensure the wind turbine is working at maximum efficiency. The assembly turns the
generator automatically to face into the wind as the wind direction changes.
3. Wind vane- an instrument used to sense wind direction and provide a signal to the yaw drive assembly
to rotate the wind turbine into the desired direction of the wind.
4. Wind turbine rated capacity- wind energy produced by a wind turbine at its rated wind speed.
5. Wind turbine generator- a wind-driven generator used to create electricity, mounted on a tower.
6. Variable speed wind turbines- a wind turbine generator designed to allow the rotor speed vary as the
wind speed changes, for consistent power output.
7. Tower- the mounting structure that houses the wind turbine generator and the related components of
an operational system. Some towers are built many stories high to access more wind.
8. Step-up gearbox- increases power production by transferring the rotor shaft revolutions to the
generator shaft, multiplying the number of overall revolutions from the generator.
9. Rotor- the center section of the wind turbine generator that connects the blades and the hub.
10. Nacelle- the housing for all key wind turbine components, mounted on top of the tower.
11. Controller- a device that starts the generator at low wind speeds (10-15 miles per hour) and shuts off
the generator at high wind speeds (over 55 miles per hour) to prevent generator damage.
12. Blades- large fins made of fiberglass or aluminum (up to 160 feet in length) that extend from the
generator hub and are driven by the wind.
13. Brake- a device operated by electrical, hydraulic, or mechanical power, used to stop the wind turbine
generator for maintenance, or in an emergency.
Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
7
Wind Turbine Energy Applications Quiz
Directions
Write the wind turbine component from the list in the corresponding box on the chart below.
1. Anemometer
2. Yaw drive assembly
3. Wind vane
4. Wind turbine generator
5. Tower
6. Step-up gearbox
7. Rotor
8. Nacelle
9. Controller
10. Blades
11. Brake
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Wind Turbine Energy Applications
Quiz Answer Key
1. Anemometer
2. Yaw Drive assembly
3. Wind Vane
4. Wind Turbine Generator
5. Tower
6. Step-up Gearbox
7. Rotor
8. Nacelle
9. Controller
10. Blades
11. Brake
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
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