Turning the weather into power
Modern wind power is generated using wind turbines. They work in much the same way as windmills of old, except they are much taller with long blades similar to aeroplane propellers and are used to generate electricity.
How do wind turbines make electricity?
- The turbine blades are shaped like a propeller.
- When the turbines face into a light breeze they begin to turn.
- The turning blade turns a gear that turns an electrical generating coil – producing electricity.
Modern wind turbines can generate power in very light breezes. But they do not like high winds because of the potential damage - wind turbines are usually shut down during storms or high winds.
Energy buzz word
A group of wind turbines located together is called a wind farm.
Wind pros and cons
Although wind is free and clean, the erection of wind turbines has faced some fierce criticism, especially from people who live near proposed wind farms.
| For | Against | |
| Clean | Noise from turbines | |
| (no greenhouse gas emissions after set-up) | ||
| Renewable | Large turbines dominate views, especially along coastlines | |
| Income for land owners | Fears about hurting birds | |
| Supply depends on the weather | ||
Weblink
Denmark was one the first countries to use wind power to make a lot of electricity. Now Denmark, with a population of just five million people, is one of the biggest producers of wind generated electricity.
Wind with Miller ,
is the story of wind power told by Miller and his pet dog for the Danish
Wind Industry Association and Danish Ministry of Education.
©2001 Danish Wind Industry Association
Wind energy investigations:
- Investigation 1 (Basic level): How windy is it? Make an anemometer to measure the wind
- Investigation 2 (Advanced level): Something in the air - the great wind farm debate