What is Wind Energy?

You may be surprised by the following fact: wind is a form of solar energy. It is produced by rotation of the earth, the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, and the irregularities of the earth’s surface.

Wind flow patterns are modified by vegetation, the earth’s terrain, and bodies of water. Human uses this wind flow, or motion energy for many purposes such as flying a kite, sailing and generating electricity.

The words wind energy  describes the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. A  turbine converts the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for many specific purposes (such as pumping water or grinding grain) or this mechanical power can be converted into electricity by a generator.

So how does a wind turbine generate electricity? It is the opposite of a fan. Instead of consuming electricity, it makes electricity. When wind blows the blades of the turbine, it turns the blades and spins a shaft which is connected to a generator thus making electricity.

Types of Wind Turbines

There are two main types of wind turbines: the vertical-axis turbine, and the horizontal-axis turbine. Horizontal-axis turbine is more practical and popular so we will only talk about it here. Horizontal-axis  turbines usually have two or three blades. These three-bladed  turbines are operated “upwind,” which means the blades are facing into the wind.

Utility-scale turbines range in size from 100 kilowatts to as large as several megawatts. Larger turbines are grouped together into wind farms, which provide bulk power to the electrical grid. Single small turbines that below 100 kilowatts are used for homes, water pumping or telecommunications dishes. Small turbines are sometimes used in connection with diesel generators, batteries, and photovoltaic systems. These systems are called hybrid wind systems and are typically used in remote, off-grid locations, where a connection to the utility grid is not available.

If you want to learn more about wind generator or if you are interested in making a wind generator,visit this website:

http://www.GreenEnergy4Home.com/DIYWindGeneraotors.html