The Basics of Wind Energy

The phrases wind power and wind energy describe the means of harnessing the faculties of the wind to create mechanical power or electricity. This act is carried out by way of wind turbines, which function in a fashion similar to the way that windmills operate. Wind turbines are typically found grouped together on what is called a wind farm. The mechanical power or electricity that is generated by the wind turbines is able to be used for things like grinding grain, pumping water, and providing electricity to homes, offices, and schools.

Wind turbines have propeller blades akin to those found on an airplane. These propellers rotate as the wind blows, thus, powering an electric generator, which provides an electric current. In other words, wind turbines operate in the opposite way that a fan functions. While fans use electricity to create wind, wind turbines utilize the wind to create electricity. The wind causes the propellers to move, which in turn causes a shaft to revolve, which then hooks up to a generator that creates the electricity.

There are two basic groups of types of wind turbines. First, there is the vertical-axis type. This variety is just like the egg-beater Darrieus model. The second type is the horizontal-axis. This variet is exactly like the traditional windmills that are found on farms and are used to pump water. Most of the modern wind turbines are the horizontal-axis type of turbines. These turbines consist of three major components. These components are comprised of a blade or rotor, which transforms wind energy into rotational shaft energy; a drive train, which typically incorporates a gearbox as well as a generator; and a tower, which provides support to the rotor and drive train. Other more minor pieces of equipment include controls, electrical cables, ground support equipment, and interconnection equipment.

Wind turbines are available in many different sizes and power ratings. The largest type of wind turbine reaches more than 20 stories in height, has propellers that extend farther than the length of a football field, and the quantity of electricity that it produces is enough to power 1,400 homes. The type of wind turbine that is most commonly suited for individual homes has propellers that are between 8 and 25 feet long and stands around 30 feet high. This home-sized type of turbine supplies an adequate amount of electricity to sustain an all-electric home or office.

In the long-run, wind turbines are a very cost-efficient source of energy. The initial cost of preparing and installing wind turbines, however, is a more substantial investment than fossil-fueled generators. Yet, since wind turbines have minimal operating expenses and it is not necessary to purchase fuel in order for them to function, wind turbines are a significantly more competitive energy source than other types of technology. Moreover, the energy produced by wind turbines is an entirely a free and renewable form of energy. Plus, wind turbines do not emit any damaging air pollutants the way other energy sources do.