A wind turbine works the opposite of a fan. Instead of using electricity to make wind, a turbine uses wind to make electricity.The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity. The electricity is sent through transmission and distribution lines to a substation, then on to homes, business and schools.The diagram below shows the inside of a wind turbine

1) Horizontal-axis wind machines are more common because they use less material per unit of electricity produced. About 95 percent of all wind machines are horizontal-axis. A typical horizontal wind machine stands as tall as a 20-story building and has three blades that span 200 feet across. The largest wind machines in the world have blades longer than a football field! Wind machines stand tall and wide to capture more wind.

2) Vertical-axis wind machines make up just five percent of the wind machines used today. The typical vertical wind machine stands 100 feet tall and 50 feet wide. Each wind machine has its advantages and disadvantages. Horizontal-axis machines need a way to keep the rotor facing the wind. This is done with a tail on small machines. On large turbines, either the rotor is located downwind of the tower to act like a weather vane, or a drive motor is used. Vertical-axis machines can accept wind from any direction.