Wind Energy
In simple words wind is air in motion. Wind is also defined as the movement of air on the ground, from high pressure area to low pressure area. And this happens due to uneven heating of the surface of earth by the sun. Hence the surface of the earth is made up of different forms of soils and water that is why there are different rates by which the earth absorbs energy supplied by the sun.
Wind energy use the energy of the wind for sensible purposes such as
- For generating electricity
- Charging batteries
- Pumping water
- Grinding grains
Today a number of large, modern wind turbines are present in wind farms which function jointly so as to generate electricity for a number of utilities. Similarly small turbines are also used side by side, but these are basically preferred by remote villages so as to complete their energy needs. Presently modern wind turbines are separated into two main categories:
- Horizontal axis turbines
- Vertical axis turbines
Wind energy is the kinetic energy which is connected with the movement of environmental air. For wind energy, wind is the source of fuel. For planning wind energy project knowledge of wind resource is a vital step. Thorough information of the wind at a site is required for the estimation of the presentation of a wind energy project. The use of wind energy is slightly costly as compared to some energy resources, Thus to overcome this problem a number of research is done in the last 20 years in number of research labs, universities, and utility organizations around the world.
Wind energy is considered under a green power technology since it has very minor crash on the atmosphere. A wind energy project creates no air pollutants or greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
Wind energy systems change kinetic energy to more useful forms of power. Wind energy has been used for hundreds of years for various purposes like sailing, irrigation, and for grinding grain. Windmills have been installed in many areas especially in the rural areas for water pumping.
Using a wind power plant is not an easy job just as building a windmill in a windy place. A wind plant holder should be very carefully for the plan where to situate their equipment. The most important point that must be consider while establishing a wind power plant is, how speedy and how to a large extent the wind waft. The best sites for operating a wind plants are the tops of smooth, open plains or shorelines, rounded hills, and mountain gaps that generates wind funneling.
How Does Wind Energy Work?
The wind blows, and when it touches the sides of the blades it makes them turn. When the blades start rotating, it turns a shaft present within the nacelle.
Now this shaft goes inside a gearbox and increases the speed of rotation. There is one generator whose function is to change or to convert the rotational energy into electrical energy, and for this the generator uses the magnetic energy. Such process of generation of electrical energy by means of wind energy is commonly found in normal power stations.
On top of the nacelle there is a fitting of one instrument which measures the speed and direction of the wind. Suppose wind changes its path of flow then in such situations motors turn the nacelle and the blades attached beside it, just about to face the wind. The nacelle is also attached through brakes, so that in high winds or during storms the turbine can be easily switched off.
Thus, Wind is a plentiful, clean and completely renewable source of energy and is the best developing source for the generation of electricity. Today in the whole world wind energy is a free fuel source and a grown-up technology. Wind energy is going to be one of the major energy powers in the coming century.