By Gary Saunders & Geoff Wass

Wind in the past

 We have used wind power for thousands of years but during the past 250 years steam engines, petrol engines and electricity took over from wind.

Wind Forever

Wind is a renewable energy resource. It is a regular part of our weather, which is driven by energy from the sun. So as long as the sun keeps shining the wind will keep blowing.

Advantages Disavantages

   Renewable- as long as the sun shines the wind will blow Clean source- no emissions of CO 2 , SO 2 and N0 x Government initiatives to promote wind power   Large land area required to get sufficent energy. (expensive) Only 3 Mw per turbine so 1000 are needed to produce same amount of energy as a power station

The kinetic energy of the wind is converted into rotational kinetic energy of the turbine.

How ?

The turbine drives the generator. The generator converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy In strong winds the the blades of the turbine twist slightly. This slows the turbine down and prevents damage .

Wind Farm, Palm Springs, California

Wind Farm, Palm Springs , Canary Islands

Wind Farm, Tenerife, Canary Islands