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Questions and Answers
What is the primary source of electricity worldwide?
What is the primary source of electricity worldwide?
What is a benefit of using wind energy?
What is a benefit of using wind energy?
When was the first wind turbine used to generate electricity?
When was the first wind turbine used to generate electricity?
What causes wind?
What causes wind?
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What is a limitation of wind energy?
What is a limitation of wind energy?
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What is another use of windmills besides generating electricity?
What is another use of windmills besides generating electricity?
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Why is wind energy becoming more popular?
Why is wind energy becoming more popular?
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What type of energy is the blowing wind?
What type of energy is the blowing wind?
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What is the minimum wind speed required for larger scale turbines to generate electricity?
What is the minimum wind speed required for larger scale turbines to generate electricity?
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What is the main advantage of locating wind farms off-shore?
What is the main advantage of locating wind farms off-shore?
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What is a major limitation of wind energy?
What is a major limitation of wind energy?
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What is a benefit of wind turbines?
What is a benefit of wind turbines?
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What is a drawback of wind turbines?
What is a drawback of wind turbines?
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Why are wind farms often located in rural areas?
Why are wind farms often located in rural areas?
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What is a benefit of wind farms?
What is a benefit of wind farms?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Wind Energy
- Electricity is a vital part of our daily lives, but its production has significant environmental impacts, mainly due to the burning of non-renewable fossil fuels.
- Alternative energy sources, such as wind energy, are becoming increasingly important due to their environmentally friendly and sustainable nature.
History of Wind Energy
- Windmills were used to pump water, grind grain, and saw wood as far back as 200 B.C.
- Wind turbines that could generate electricity were invented in the late 1800s and have been increasingly used worldwide.
How Wind Turbines Work
- Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy and then into electrical energy.
- The process involves:
- Wind blowing across the blades, causing them to turn.
- The spiral movement of the blades spinning the shaft and gears.
- The generator transforming the spinning motion into electrical energy.
Wind Turbine Design and Operation
- Wind speed needs to be around 7-9 miles per hour for larger turbines and less for smaller ones.
- Consistency and sustainability of wind are crucial, and turbines need to be tall enough to catch uninterrupted wind.
- Geography influences turbine design, including blade size and shape, orientation, and rotation.
Wind Farms
- Wind farms are collections of multiple wind turbines in one area, generating a significant amount of electricity.
- Hundreds to thousands of turbines can be found in one wind farm.
- Off-shore wind farms are becoming more common due to the increased speed and consistency of wind over water.
Pros of Wind Energy
- Wind energy is clean, renewable, and produces no greenhouse gases or pollution.
- Wind is a limitless energy source.
- Land surrounding turbines can still be used for farming.
- Wind energy has low operating costs once installed.
- Many jobs are created in the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of wind turbines.
Cons of Wind Energy
- Wind energy is inconsistent and unpredictable, leading to inconsistent energy production.
- Geographic areas suitable for wind farms are limited and often remote.
- Wind energy systems are expensive to manufacture and install.
- Wind turbines can be noisy, unsightly, and harm birds and bats.
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Description
Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy as a source of electricity, and how it compares to non-renewable fossil fuels. Evaluate the environmental impact of our energy sources.
