Wind Power ● is the conversion of wind energy into more useful forms, usually electricity. ● An estimated 1% to 3% of the energy from the Sun that hits Earth is converted into wind energy. ● Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface by the Sun. ● Wind is called a source because it will blow as long as the sun shines. Wind Power

● What Is It? ● History of Wind Power ● How Does It Work? ● Advantages and Disadvantages History of Wind Power

• Since early recorded history, • American colonists used people have been harnessing to grind wheat and wind for power. corn, pump water and to cut wood at sawmills. • By the 11th century, people in the Middle East were using • Since the 1970’s oil shortage, windmills for food production. the interest in wind power has greatly risen. Texas leads the U.S. in the generation of electricity from wind power. How Does Wind Power Work?

● Wind machines use blades to collect the wind’s kinetic energy. ● The blades are connected to a generator which converts mechanical energy into electricity. ● In order for a to work efficiently, wind speeds usually must be above 12 to 14 miles per hour. Large Wind Turbines

● Able to deliver electricity at lower cost than smaller turbines, because foundation costs, planning costs, etc. are independent of size.

● Well-suited for offshore wind plants.

● In areas where it is difficult to find sites, one large turbine on a tall tower uses the wind extremely efficiently. Small Wind Turbines

● Local electrical grids may not be able to handle the large electrical output from a large turbine, so smaller turbines may be more suitable. ● High costs for foundations for large turbines may not be economical in some areas. ● Landscape considerations. Wind Farms

Solona County, CA West Virginia Tehachapi Pass, CA Advantages

● Wind energy is fueled by the wind, so it's a clean fuel source. ● Wind energy doesn't pollute the air like power plants that rely on combustion of fossil fuels, such as or . ● Wind turbines don't produce atmospheric emissions that cause acid rain or greenhouse gasses. ● Wind energy is a domestic source of energy, produced in the United States. The nation's wind supply is abundant. Advantages continued

● Wind energy is one of the lowest-priced renewable energy technologies available today. ● Wind turbines can be built on farms or ranches, thus benefiting the economy in rural areas where most of the best wind sites are found. ● Farmers and ranchers can continue to work the land because the wind turbines use only a fraction of the land. Wind power plant owners make rent payments to the farmer or rancher for the use of the land. Disadvantages

● Wind power must compete with conventional generation sources on a cost basis. Even though the cost of wind power has decreased dramatically in the past 10 years, the technology requires a higher initial investment than fossil-fueled generators.

● The major challenge to using wind as a source of power is that the wind is intermittent and it does not always blow when electricity is needed. Wind energy cannot be stored (unless batteries are used) and not all winds can be harnessed to meet the timing of electricity demands. Disadvantages continued

● Good wind sites are often located in remote locations, far from cities where the electricity is needed. ● Although wind power plants have relatively little impact on the environment compared to other conventional power plants, there is some concern over the noise produced by the rotor blades, aesthetic (visual) impacts. ● Sometimes birds have been killed by flying into the rotors. Most of these problems have been resolved or greatly reduced through technological development or by properly siting wind plants. Resources http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power •http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/rene wable/wind.html •The Need Project on Instagram •Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Energy at James Madison University https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN-RLkX78w9Sm4j DU2AnDOCKE-jxvqjkP