Wind power

Wind power is the use of air flow through wind turbines to provide the mechanical power to turn electric generators for electricity production. Wind power, as an alternative to burning fossil fuels, is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, clean, produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, and uses little land. The net effects on the environment are far less problematic than those of nonrenewable power sources.

Wind farms consist of many individual wind turbines, which are connected to the electric power transmission network. Onshore wind is an inexpensive source of electricity, competitive with or in many places cheaper than coal or gas plants. Offshore wind is steadier and stronger than on land and offshore farms have less visual impact, but construction and maintenance costs are considerably higher. Small onshore wind farms can feed some energy into the grid or provide electricity to isolated off-grid locations.

Wind power gives variable power, which is very consistent from year to year but has significant variation over shorter time scales. It is therefore used in conjunction with other electric power sources to give a reliable supply. As the proportion of wind power in a region increases, a need to upgrade the grid, and a lowered ability to supplant conventional production can occur. Power-management techniques such as having excess capacity, geographically distributed turbines, dispatchable backing sources, storage, and curtailing excess capacity can significantly overcome these problems.

History

Wind power has been used as long as humans have put sails into the wind. For more than two millennia wind-powered machines have ground grain and pumped water. Wind power was widely available and not confined to the banks of fast-flowing streams, or later, requiring sources of fuel. Wind-powered pumps drained the polders of the Netherlands, and in arid regions such as the American mid-west or the Australian outback, wind pumps provided water for live stock and steam engines.

Wind Energy Conversion Systems

The conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using wind turbines to make electricity, windmills for mechanical power, windpumps for water pumping or drainage, or sails to propel ships, is called wind energy conversion systems (WECS).

Wind Turbines

The primary component of wind power is the wind turbine. A wind turbine is a device that converts the wind's kinetic energy into electrical energy. Wind turbines are classified into two general types: horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) and vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs). HAWTs are the most common type used today.

Environmental Impact

Wind power is one of the most environmentally friendly sources of renewable energy. It generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or pollutants. However, it does have some environmental impacts, including the potential for bird and bat mortality through collision with turbine blades, noise pollution, and visual impacts on the landscape.

Economics

The economics of wind power varies by region, depending upon wind speeds, the cost of land, and the level of government support. Wind power is generally competitive with other power generation technologies. The cost of wind power has decreased significantly over the past few decades, making it more competitive with fossil fuels.

Future of Wind Power

The future of wind power looks promising, with technology improvements, increased government support, and a growing awareness of the need to switch to more sustainable energy sources. Wind power is expected to play a significant role in the global transition to renewable energy.