The definition of wind energy:
Wind energy captures the wind in our environment and turns the air's motion into mechanical energy. There are some locations better suited for wind than others, because wind speeds vary based on geography, topography and season. The coastal areas and offshore areas are best suited for generating wind energy because their wind speeds are higher.
Facts about wind energy
How does wind energy work?
Rotor blades (blades that are like aircraft propellers) are put onto a tower in a windy location. The wind spins the blades , which are linked to the shaft of an electricity generator. The generator then produces electricity which is carried by power lines to wherever it is needed. Wind energy can be made by a single wind turbine or a wind farm.
When did wind energy begin to be used and how ?
Wind energy pushed boats along the Nile River as early as 5000 B.C. By 200 B.C., simple windmills in China were pumping water, while vertical-axis windmills with woven reed sails were grinding grain in Persia and the Middle East. New ways of using the energy of the wind eventually spread around the world. Throughout the 20th century, small wind plants, suitable for farms and residences, were developed so that they could be connected to electricity grids.
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The effect of wind energy on the environment
Even though wind power plants currently have little impact on the environment compared to fossil fuel power plants, concerns have been raised over the noise produced by the rotor blades, visual impacts, and deaths of birds and bats that fly into the rotors. The only things they can potentially create environmental damage are relatively small amounts of lubricating oils and hydraulic and insulating fluids, but contamination of surface or ground, water or soils is highly unlikely.
The pros and cons of wind energy
Cons:
*Like most mechanical objects wind turbines produce some noise when they operate. Most of the turbine noise is masked by the sound of the wind itself, and the turbines run only when the wind blows.
*Wind turbines can damage landscape and can be intrusive to some.
*Birds and bats deaths are one of the most common biological issues related to wind turbines.
*Some wind farms can be accessed by the public. There are blades and other equipment in these areas and they could potentially hurt someone.
Pros:
* In recent years, engineers have made design changes to reduce the noise from wind turbines.
* One strategy being used to partially stop visual impacts is to site fewer turbines in any one location by using many locations and by using today's larger and more efficient types of wind turbines.
*several large wind facilities have operated for years with only minor impacts on animals that can get hurt.
*Wind power is well suited in rural areas.
*Wind is free.
*It is renewable and clean
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Facts about this energy
Wind energy is underused right now and holds a lot of potential for the future. Though there has been a 25% increase in wind turbine use in the last decade, wind energy still provides only a small percentage of the energy of the world.
*Wind energy is mainly harnessed by wind turbines with four or three blades that are 60 centimetres long, on average.
* The largest turbines can harness energy to power 600 homes.
