Renewable Energy

Renewable green energy originates from the earth’s natural resources, in less than a human lifetime they have the capability to replenish themselves without depleting the planet’s resources.
Natural resources are abundant across our planet in the form of wind, sunlight, tides and geothermal energy stored in the earth’s crust. They are virtually inexhaustible. And, what is even more important, they cause little climate or environmental damage.

What is wind energy?

One of the main forms of renewable energy is wind energy, this is the process of generating electricity using natural air currents and wind flows, which falls into 3 categories:

How do wind turbines work?

A wind turbine captures kinetic energy from the wind, causing the blades to rotate and turn it into mechanical energy. The rotation of the blades turns an internal shaft which is connected to a gearbox that spins a generator to produce the electricity. A wind turbine will be directed to face the strongest wind, allowing it to capture as much energy as possible. More recently, engineers have started using permanent magnets inside the generators of wind turbines to help produce electricity more efficiently.

Magnets used in wind turbines

In every wind turbine you will find at least one strong permanent magnet, a neodymium magnet. Over recent years engineers have been inspired to use a permanent magnet generator (PMG) system in wind turbines. The use of a PMG system has eliminated the need for gearboxes in wind turbines as the magnet systems are a much better alternative.

MORE COST-EFFICIENT
RELIABLE
LOW MAINTENANCE
ELIMINATED THE NEED FOR EXTRA PARTS USED IN GENERATORS
NO NEED FOR ELECTRICITY TO EMIT A MAGNETIC FIELD, NEODYMIUM MAGNETS PRODUCE THEIR OWN

The permanent neodymium magnets are found within the generator, and the generators use the high-field strength that is generated by the magnets on the rotor. Neodymium magnets are used instead of alternative magnets because no external power source is required to generate a magnetic field. The self-excitation of the generator also means batteries or capacitors can be smaller, and the electrical losses are reduced with this design

HOW DO THE MAGNETS WORK IN THE TURBINES?

Neodymium magnets are used in the generators of the wind turbines on the basis that electromagnetic forces are used to produce electricity. The rotating shaft of the turbine is attached to the magnet in the generator, causing the magnets to turn relative to an assembly of coiled wire; this then generates voltage in the coil. The coils of wire act as conductors, and when the electrons in the wires move when exposed to changing magnetic fields, they create an electric current. The wires are connected together and the electrical current then goes on to power homes and factories.

How we can help you?

At Newland Magnetics, we manufacture and supply a large range of quality magnets, including neodymium magnets which are best suited for wind turbines. When selecting the appropriate magnets for your wind turbine, you need to ensure you are using a quality magnet with a suitable coating, as your magnets could be exposed to extremes of temperature, oil, rain, dirt and salt water if situated offshore. If you are unsure about which magnet you should be choosing for your turbine, please get in touch with a member of our team today to find out more information.

To view our neodymium magnets click the link below. Alternatively, fill out the form below if you have any questions.