How do we get wind power and what is this?
Man has always been ingenious enough to find ways of harnessing the various forms of energy found in nature to put them to his use. Power from the sun (solar power), power from cascading water (hydro-power) and power from the wind are not new to mankind. Wind power is not a new concept but one that has actually been around for quite some time now. It was met with much enthusiasm when it was first discovered. Wind power is a result of wind flow which is caused by several geographical and environmental factors like the earth's rotation, topographical diversities and the differential heating of the earth's surface by the sun. Wind power solutions involve converting the kinetic energy of the winds into various other useful forms of energy, mainly electricity. What still makes it a hot idea the world over is the fact that wind power could be one of the answers to end the imminent energy crisis that the world is facing today. As the rampant depletion of natural resources continues unabated the world over, the future of the planet never looked so grim. Natural reserves of wood, coal and petroleum are becoming fewer and fewer with every passing year. It is time to start looking at alternative sources of energy. Green, renewable energy is the need of the hour. And wind power is the perfect match!
Some facts about the workings of wind power
Whenever one mentions wind power, there emerges two possibilities of obtaining it - first by the traditional windmill system, and secondly, by virtue of the modern turbine system. The windmill system is responsible for generating mechanical energy and its most frequent use is in farming and agriculture. Windmills are most commonly seen being used to harvest the wind resource to generate the requisite power to pump water or grind cereals. On the other hand, the wind turbine system is based on a more elaborate design, uses more sophisticated technology and is used to generate electricity. A wind turbine mechanism can be broadly categorized into the vertical axis type and the horizontal axis type. A typical wind turbine resembles the aircraft propeller blades that turn in the direction of the moving air. This movement, in turn, activates a shaft that is connected to an electricity producing generator. The power that is actually generated by these systems is dependent on two factors - a) the size of the turbine and b) the speed of the wind. In both the cases, more the size of the turbine or the speed of wind, more is the energy that is generated.
Wind-flow, as has already been stated earlier, is a completely natural phenomenon that is caused by a host of natural factors. The sun's rays, as they fall on the earth, do not heat the surface of the planet uniformly but in a differential manner. In other words, all the landmasses, water bodies, and the air enveloping everything get heated to varying extents according to their varying propensities to absorb heat. Besides the differential heating by the sun, there are other geographical factors too. For example, the difference in temperature at the Equator and at the Poles. The warm air at the equator is continuously expanding, getting lighter and rising upwards while cooler air from the poles are rushing in to fill the resultant vacuum. This circulation creates a convectional current which is called the wind. It is of much significance to develop an understanding of how wind energy is generated in order to understand its true nature and scope. The wind, as it blows across the surface of the planet, carries with it a form of energy that is known as kinetic energy. This energy, when harnessed through suitable means, can be converted into other useful forms of energy like mechanical energy and electricity. And this is what wind power is really all about.
Advantages and disadvantages of wind power
The advantages of using wind power far outweigh the few disadvantages that it might have. Let's face it, like every other form of energy, wind power too has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. But, undoubtedly, the advantages are more plentiful than the disadvantages. To start with, wind power solutions for the average household are excellent for cutting down on power bills, staying independent and also keeping the environment green and clean. Wind power is a true 'green' energy source and is one of the cleanest sources of power known to man. By and large, it is also very affordable. Due to its generally inexpensive nature, it can be widely afforded by a large cross section of the society. All said and done, the fact is that concerns like noise pollution (generated by the rotor blades), avian mortality (birds getting killed by accidentally flying into the rotors) are still there. But such issues can be easily resolved by locating the plant suitably and through continuous technological developments.
To enjoy the many benefits and advantages of wind power, all one has to do is set up a wind power system for himself. However, this might be a difficult proposition for those who are new to the technology or have no prior experience. Therefore, a good instructional guide is strongly recommended. By following step-by-step instructions, even the most inexperienced layman can set up a fully functional wind power system and start enjoying its many benefits. Choose a guide that will also help you in finding the best quality equipment, get the best deals on them, select the right location and on every other aspect of setting up a fully functional wind power plant at home.
Jim Martin is a researcher, inventor, home energy consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Earth 4 Electricity- Renewable Energy Made Easy". Jim has written dozens of home energy related articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide. To Learn More about Jim Martin's Unique Step By Step Solar and Wind Power System Visit: Wind Energy
