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 wind is a renewable energy resource providing kinetic energy - as long as the Sun exists, the wind will too.
Wind turbines use the wind to drive turbines directly.
They have huge blades mounted on a tall tower.
The blades are connected to a 'nacelle', or housing, which contains gears linked to a generator.
As the wind blows, it transfers some of its kinetic energy to the blades, which turn and drive the generator.
Several wind turbines may be grouped together to form a wind farm.
Advantages
- It is a renewable energy resource.
- There are no fuel costs.
- No harmful polluting gases are produced.
Disadvantages
- Wind farms are noisy and may spoil the view for people living near them.
- The amount of electricity generated depends on the strength of the wind.
- If there is no wind, there is no electricity.