Define Wind Energy - Looking at Wind Power Basics
Let's define Wind energy. Wind energy ranks up there with solar energy and hydropower. Wind Energy is defined as the “power generated by harnessing the wind, usually by windmills” (Mayhew).
In scientific terms, wind energy is the "force" of winds blowing across the earth’s surface ("Wind Energy").
Wind is caused by uneven heating on the earth’s surface. The equator region receives more heat than say, Antarctica.
That heat tries to move from hotter to colder regions. Wind energy was first harvested centuries ago, when early windmills were used to power millstones, pumps, and forges
Wind energy systems generate electrical energy by harnessing the power in wind using machines called wind turbines. Wind energy can be produced in stand-alone applications or can be produced centrally and distributed to the electric grid.
To define wind energy further, let's look at the wind turbines.Wind turbines, like aircraft propeller blades, turn in the moving air and power an electric generator that supplies an electric current. Wind speeds typically need to be sustained at a minimum of 10 miles per hour to turn the turbine fast enough to generate electricity. The turbines usually produce about 50 to 300 kilowatts of electricity each.
Turbines are often grouped together, also known as a wind farm, and generate bulk electrical power. Electricity from these turbines is fed into the local utility grid and distributed to customers just as it is with conventional power plants.
To further define wind energy, take a look at the following diagram and learn the function of each part.
(1)TowerTowers are made from tubular steel or steel lattice. Because wind speed is higher and less turbulent 100 feet or more above the ground, wind turbines are usually mounted on tall towers to capture the most energy. One of the larger machines stands 20 building stories high, and produces enough electricity to power 1,400 homes.
(2) Blade
Most turbines have either two or three blades. Each blade acts much like an airplane wing. When the wind blows, a pocket of low-pressure air forms on the downwind side of the blade.
The low-pressure air pocket then pulls the blade toward it, causing the rotor to turn. This is called lift. The force of the lift is actually much stronger than the wind's force against the front side of the blade, which is called drag. The blade is connected to a shaft, which is connected to an electrical generator.
(3) Generator
Converts the mechanical energy of the spinning blades into 60-cycle AC electricity.
(4) Controller
The controller starts up the machine at wind speeds of about 8 to 16 miles per hour and shuts off the machine at about 65 mils per hour. Turbines cannot operate at wind speeds above about 65 miles per hour because their generators could overheat.
(5) Nacelle
The rotor attaches to the nacelle, which sits atop the tower and includes most of the working parts of the turbine. A cover protects the components inside the nacelle. Some nacelles are large enough for a technician to stand inside while working.
(6) Anemometer
Measures the wind speed and transmits wind speed data to the controller.
Define Wind Energy Further
When harnessed, wind energy can be converted into mechanical energy for performing work such as pumping water, grinding grain, and milling lumber ("Wind Energy"). The amount of kinetic energy within Earth's atmosphere is equal to about 10,000 trillion kilowatt-hours. To define wind energy further, visit http://www.netpilot.ca When harnessed, wind energy can be converted into mechanical energy for performing work such as pumping water, grinding grain, and milling lumber ("Wind Energy"). The amount of kinetic energy within Earth's atmosphere is equal to about 10,000 trillion kilowatt-hours.Wind energy is a great supplement to fossil fuels and depending on your locality, you can utilize the wind for all your electrical needs as they do in Denmark.
But it does have it's advantages and disadvantages. But I am sure you will be seeing many more of theseaerodynamic generators as you drive through the countryside in the near future.
To learn more of alternative energy and define wind energy further,
