Wind energy
Wind is produced as a result of giant The motion of a liquid or gas caused by heating some part of that liquid or gas. in the Earth’s atmosphere, which are driven by heat energy from the Sun. This means that the kinetic energy in wind is a renewable energy resource - as long as the Sun exists, the wind will too.
Wind turbines
Wind turbines use the wind to directly drive turbines. They have huge blades mounted on a tall tower. The blades are connected to a nacelle, or housing, which contains gears linked to a An electromagnetic device that produces electricity when it is turned on.. As the wind blows, it transfers some of its Energy which an object possesses by being in motion. to the blades, which turn and drive the generator. Several wind turbines may be grouped together in windy locations to form wind farms.
Advantages of wind energy
- Wind is a renewable energy resource, meaning it will not run out.
- There are no fuel costs.
- No harmful polluting gases are produced.
Disadvantages of wind energy
- Wind farms are noisy.
- The amount of electricity generated depends on the strength of the wind.
- If there is no wind, there is no electricity.
- Manufacture and implementation of wind farms can be costly.
- Some local people object to on-shore wind farms, arguing that they spoil the countryside.