Wind is caused by the heating of the earth's surface by the sun. The wind is an indirect form of solar energy and is therefore renewable.
Wind turbines come in two types, horizontal and vertical axis. (Figure 1) Wind passes over the blades, converted to mechanical energy, which goes through a transmission to an electraial generator.
Wind turbines come in small 100 watt units for single homes or cottages, to huge 1 MW turbiens with blade diameters over 50 m. Most are horizontal axis turbines with three blades, 15 -20 m in diameter, producing 50 - 350 kW of electricity. These windmills are often grouped together to make wind farms that cn provide energy to a power grid.
Wind power avoids most of the regular environmental effects of energy generation. It gives off no greenhouse gasses or toxic emmisions. Also, there is no risk of radioactive exposure.
The main concern with wind energy is the impact on land use, noise and the effect on wildlife. Since the wind is so spread out, large areas of land are needed to provide significant amounts of energy. The noise of wind tubiens is also another negitive impact. The turbiens do have increased noise levels, but these decrese with distance from the turbien. At around 300 meters the noise level is about that in a libary. They are usually located away from human activity and from airports since they disrupt radio waves.
Wind power is a great clean, reliable, cost effective source of electricity. Energy generated from wind power does not contribute to global warming and acid rain. Used as a part of an electrical systme with a varity of energy sources, wind turbiens can be a great low cost source of electricity. All methods of generating electricity have some negative environmental impacts. It is important that energy is used effciently regardless of it's source.
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