A wind turbine turns wind energy into electricity using the aerodynamic force from the rotor blades, which work like an aeroplane wing or helicopter rotor blade. ... This translation of aerodynamic force to rotation of a generator creates electricity.
Vertical wind turbines look like the blades of an eggbeater. The central shaft is vertical, and the rotor blades attach at the top and bottom and bow out to the sides. ... Vertical turbines work when the wind blows at almost any angle, making them a very reliable source of wind power.