2. What is Wind?
Wind is a form of solar energy and is a result of the uneven heating
of the atmosphere by the sun, the irregularities (uneven) of the
Earth’s surface, and the rotation of the Earth on it’s axis. Wind is a
form of moving air that can be found almost anywhere on Earth.
3. What is Wind Energy?
Wind energy is a renewable source of electricity. It is plentiful,
clean, and efficient.
Wind turbines operate much like coal power plants do, without
using as much land, fossil fuels, and harmful emissions. The energy in
the wind turns two or three propeller-like blades around a rotor. The
rotor is connected to a shaft, which in turn spins a generator around to
create electricity. The electricity then travels to plants or stations to be
distributed to homes in the area of that grid.
This energy is kinetic, or energy of motion. From the moving air to
the spinning generator, wind is all about motion.
4. History of Wind Energy
This is perhaps one of the oldest forms of energy, dating back to as
far (as we currently know of) to 5000 BC, with wind-propelled boats
used along the Nile River. By the 11th century, people in the Middle East
used windmills extensively for food production.
During World War II, the largest wind turbine in the 1940s fed
electric power to the local utility network.
The first electrical wind turbine was invented in 1888 in Cleveland,
Ohio by Charles F. Brunch. This turbine generated 12 kilowatts of power,
enough to power one 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours.
5. Where is it Available in the U.S.?
Wind energy is most available in Texas, with 12,355 megawatts of
capacity. In second comes California with 5,830 MW and in third is
Iowa with 5,170 MW.
6. Wind Energy Today
Today, wind energy is used to give over 100 countries electricity,
and is quickly making its way to be one of the most efficient energy
sources available.
Top 10 Countries:
1. China 6. Italy
2. United States 7. France
3. Germany 8. Canada
4. Spain 9. Brazil
5. India 10. Denmark
7. Wind Energy in the Future
Wind energy is hoped to produce 20% of the United States in fifteen
years (2030). Right now, it only produces about 4% of our electricity
supply.
8. Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages: Disadvantages:
-clean -suited to particular regions
-no emissions -threat to wildlife
-little land -noisy
-renewable -wind is unpredictable
-more jobs
-initial cost
9. Economics
The U.S. spends over $100 billion on renewable energy sources, but
less than 30% of that is spent on the turbines.
