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Wind energy (wind power electricity and wind
electricity) is low-cost and renewable, typically cheaper than
oil, coal or natural gas, making it important in today’s economy
and desire to rely less on foreign oil. The power of wind is
undeniable. Through the use of turbines, we capture this power.
Wind is the result of unequal temperatures on the earth’s
surface. Turbines convert the kinetic energy in wind to power.
The blades turn, a rotor harnesses the kinetic energy, and it’s
converted to rotary motion and power that a generator disperses
to power grids. By preventing further environmental damage, its
fits today’s “Go green” philosophy
Today, wind has the capacity to light our homes, run
transportation along railways, and provide virtually any other
power for which we rely on electricity. Chances are, you’ve not
seen the huge wind turbines in your communities just yet, but
most of us have at least seen the pictures of them -- acres and
acres of gently-turning propellers covering the landscapes of
open plains or ocean-side cliffs. The wind can produce energy
that continues to flow -- just like the wind itself. |
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Wind electricity is a growing area of interest especially given
the concerns over global warming and the ill-effects of the fuel
emissions we all breathe everyday. Carbon fuels, although
effective, simply aren’t as clean and as sustainable as other
sources such as wind. Already, wind provides over 80,000
cumulative megawatts of power and it’s projected to continue to
grow over the coming years. Wind energy (and the resulting wind
electricity) is low-cost and most importantly, renewable. It’s
less expensive than oil, coal and most natural gas. The rippling
effects of its use are more important today than ever as the
economy and desire to rely less on foreign oil are forefront to
most people.
We all have wind. It may be subtle and unnoticed at times when
at others its force is unmistakable. The power of hurricanes and
primarily the wind demonstrates the immense power it carries.
When buildings and the earth itself are moved and transformed to
images we no longer recognize, the power of wind is undeniable.
Wind turbines capture this power. The technology behind it
allows providers to harness it even when the wind appears to be
calm to our eyes. Wind turbines can remain online and
functioning, providing power to the nation’s power grids even
through major disturbances. Wind farms can meet the expectations
similar to those we put on thermal generators.
Today, with the use of electronics, the wind turbine’s blades
can be adjusted to gain the best results. With the change of a
blade’s pitch or angle, the turbines can continually run at
optimum speed based on rotation and lift-to-drag of the blades.
The result is the constant, maximum yield of energy possible.
Even strong wind gusts can be absorbed and converted to
electricity. How does it all work though? Wind is the result of
unequal temperatures on the earth’s surface due to the sun. Wind
turbines simply convert the kinetic (motion) energy in the wind
to power (or electricity). When the wind spins the turbine’s
blades, a rotor harnesses the kinetic energy in it and converts
it to rotary motion that in turn powers a generator. The
generators then disperse the power to grids and eventually our
homes and cities.
Wind electrical systems are also available for the average
consumer. Smaller, less expensive systems can be fit to your
home or small business. You should take the time to thoroughly
research it because it can be expensive, but the result can be
worth it in the long run -- both over traditional energy costs,
but also in the satisfaction of preventing further environmental
damage. “Going green” is definitely today’s buzz word and clean
energy from wind electricity qualifies as a big contributor.
For more information about wind electricity:
About Wind Electricity
Wind Electricity Basics
Wind Generated Electricity
State-of-the-art wind power plants
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