Ecology solutions - wind energy

Wind Energy

Wind energy is not a new term in the world of energy production; wind energy has been harnessed for over a hundred years using traditional windmills, initially used for pumping water and in grinding stones. Now, besides windmills, wind turbines have come into use extensively, they convert this wind energy into electrical energy.

Wind energy is a form of solar energy with kinetic energy that can be used to harness power by converting it to mechanical energy which may be directly used or once again converted to electrical energy. To perform this conversion a rotating machine is used that converts the kinetic energy in the atmospheric air into mechanical energy. Sometimes, this mechanical energy is directly used by machinery such as grinding stones and the machine is called a windmill. If the mechanical energy is converted to electricity instead, the machine is called a wind turbine.

There are two types of wind turbines – one with a horizontal axis and another with a vertical axis. The basic mechanism involved in the functioning of a wind turbine can be explained by the two terms – lift and drag.

Lift: When wind blows, low pressure gets developed on the downwind side of the blade that pulls the blade towards it that causes the motor to run. This is called the lift.

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Drag: The force of the lift is stronger than the winds force against the front side of the blade; this is referred to as the drag.

The lift and drag, together, make the rotor function like a propeller.

Wind energy is one of the most popular forms of alternative sources of energy. The wind turbines generate absolutely no pollution of any form like in some other forms of electricity. Even in the construction stage, its environmental impacts are negligible. The wind turbines are also self reliant and thus when the power lines are severed due to any reasons, the consumers of electricity from wind turbines do not suffer power loss. This type of harnessing power does not consume fossil fuels in any stage after construction and thus do not contribute to detrimental environmental effects or diminishing of fuel reserves. They are also very inexpensive and help generating power of unimaginably lower prices.

It has very few disadvantages that are quite negligible. Due to their tall, thin shape, the turbines are prone to be hit by lightening; most damages to the wind turbines are believed to be due to thunderstorms. Another disadvantage is that the blades of the turbines can occasionally hit birds that try to fly between them.

The wind is available for free and with wind turbines power can be generated for really low prices. The turbines are also compact and do not occupy much space. The wind energy holds great potential and when used in the right way is capable of serving as an efficient and reliable energy source.