Wind energy is derived from solar resources. When sunrays cause heat to be spread in the earths atmosphere, a motion starts in air. This motion in air is called wind. However, the propensity to absorb heat amounts at the various layers of the earths atmosphere is not the same. The surface of the planet, with its sea bodies, oceans, hilly areas and plain lands, is not uniform either. The amount of currents of air that a particular region receives is different from that in another area. During the time of day, the sun beats down, and air, getting heated up, becomes less dense, and moves in the upward direction. The blank space thus created is soon taken over by the heavy, denser air that moves in quickly from the areas that lie near.
Even in earlier times, wind had been in use, for the sail of ships that would travel in the high seas. In the range of 40degrees(S) and 50degrees(S) latitudes, the winds of the Roaring Forties famously had a large hand in creating a route for all ships that were traveling between Australia and England (the Clipper Route). This route helped to speed up journeys across the Indian Ocean. Other types of trade winds also blew, helping sailors venture into unexplored parts of seas.
Over the past few years, the levels of Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have gone up significantly. Fossil fuel reserves are also being depleted. Hence, renewable energy sources are being sought for, and wind fits this requirement perfectly. There have been feuds among the countries that export oil (in the Middle East), adversely affecting the stocks of petroleum products. In view of these situations that have made the global petroleum scenario all the more grave, wind energy is often being used to generate electricity. Wind would always flow as long as the rays of the sun reach the surface of the earth. Hence, wind energy is renewable too.
American dwellers, from the early times, used windmills for cutting wood, pumping water and even for corn-grinding purposes. Taking a leaf from their books, modern engineers also create windmills (of a much more sophisticated type), which would be able to produce at least as much electricity as their predecessors. These windmills, however, do not at all look like the ones that were used earlier. Among the states of America, electricity-production via the usage of instruments driven by wind is the most in California. This state uses the highest amount of wind energy as well (more than double of that in any other American state). A suitable region in the coastal parts of Cape Cod, Massachusetts has been chosen as the venue of the introductory Wind Park located offshore. Here, different varieties of wind-driven machines and windmills would be used for test purposes.
The windmills (or, wind-driven equipments) in America can be broadly divided into two types ” Vertical-axis equipments and Horizontal-axis equipments. However, most of the windmills that are currently in use are of the Horizontal-type varieties. The blades of these windmills resemble the propellers of airplanes. These wind machines measure 200 (across), with three blades, and have a length like that of a 20-floor building. Unlikely as it might seem, the blades of the largest wind machine are larger than a football ground. These blades can capture the highest amounts of wind energy.
When electric power is produced on a mass scale, by keeping a large number of wind driven equipments together, the place is called a Wind Farm (or, a Wind power plant). The largest wind power plant of the world has the capacity to serve the electrical requirements of more than 220,000 households annually. This wind farm is located at Texas, and is named the Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center, with 421 wind turbines. Independent power producers mostly own these power plants, and ownership by companies of public utility is rather uncommon. The production and sale of electricity is carried out by the individual owners themselves.
The velocity of wind flows crucially determine the efficiency levels of wind powered turbines. However, the speed of wind fluctuates from one season to the next, and also varies between different regional parts. However, the US enjoys favorable wind conditions in most parts. For example, high velocity wind flows are common between the months of April and October, in the state of California (Tehachapi). This is because of the significant rise in the air temperatures above the Mojave Desert during the summer season. The air in this region, being warmer, also becomes lighter, and moves up. This creates a void in this region, which is soon filled up by cooler regions from nearby areas surrounding the Pacific Ocean that have lower temperatures. Thus, during summer, plenty of electricity is produced in California, making the use of air conditioners very common here. On the same count, winter months see the largest production of electricity in Montana, since the velocity of wind in these regions is highest during winter. Thus, many households and offices of this region make use of central heating systems.
Electric current produced from wind energy that generates electricity is environment-friendly. In fact, in this regard, wind energy comes second only to the electricity generated by solar power. Totally pollution-free and environmentally sustaining, wind energy is freely available to all, and that too, all round the year. However, regular maintenance of shafts that rotate (regarding their shapes and other features) is required. Such maintenance is not necessary in cases where solar energy is used. A solar panel does not have any mobile components, making such maintenance issues redundant.
For cutting down on the high levels of electricity bills, installation of a wind energy system is an ideal option. Environmental cleanness would be obtained as an added advantage. However, the following factors need to be looked into, before a wind energy unit can be set up: (1) where to set up the system in the home; (2) how to install the system correctly; (3) the techniques of completion of the wire networks; (4) the places from where free batteries and other system parts can be acquired; and (5) the required measures for precaution.
About the Author:
Jim Martin is a researcher, inventor, home energy consultant and author of the best-selling e-book, “Earth 4 Electricity- Renewable Energy Made Easy”. To Learn More about Jim Martin’s Unique Step By Step Solar and Wind Power System Visit:
Earth 4 Electricity. For further information visit:
Where Does Wind Energy Come From.
A dump load for the reception of any extra energy will not cost you anything if you have an old water heater or back-up battery pack around.
