An Overview of Wind as an Energy Source
Wind is one of the cleanest, if not cleanest, renewable energy
sources available to us. What most people don't know is it is
also the fastest growing energy sector.
Wind is an indirect version of solar power. Different surfaces
on the Earth react differently to being hit by sunlight,
particular in regards to heat. As sunlight heats up surfaces,
they warm up at different rates. The surround air also warms up
at different rates, fertilizing the wind process. Temperatures
over a body of water like a lake will always be cooler than
temperatures over rocky ground. Hot air rises and cool air
rushes into fill such voids. As this process occurs, the rushing
air manifests as wind and an incredibly cheap and clean energy
source.
The fact that wind is a naturally occurring event makes it a
great energy source. Consider the following:
1. Wind is a renewable energy source because it will exist as
long as sunlight beats down on us. 2. Wind has been used by man
as an energy source ever since we've sailed boats.
3. The first windmills were used to turn wheels to grind grain
in Iran.
4. American colonist used windmills to move water, grind grain
and cut wood.
5. Wind energy harnessed by windmills was a dominant source of
energy in rural America in the 1920s.
6. In modern times, California is the biggest user of wind power
and produces twice as much electricity as any other state.
7. Modern windmills actually come in two forms, vertical and
horizontal models.
8. Horizontal windmills are the stereotypical version that comes
to your mind when the word is mentioned.
9. Vertical mills look like upside down egg beaters, but are
hypnotic when they spin.
10. Unlike traditional utilities, most energy produced by wind
is done by private businesses and sold to utilities through an
electric grid hookup.
11. Wind power in the U.S. generates a whopping 17 billion
kilowatts per year, more than enough to provide all electrical
needs for the city of Chicago.
12. More than 30 states have wind farms generating and supplying
electricity to utility companies.
13. California, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wyoming are the
dominant forces in producing energy from wind.
14. The biggest energy producer from wind is Germany, which is
also dominant in solar power production.
For many, these wind findings will be a surprise. The sole fact
that there is enough power produced by wind energy to handle a
city the size of Chicago is pretty impressive. As we move into
the 21st century, new technology is heading in the direction of
creating wind energy platforms for individual residences.