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Wind Power
Wind Power Basics
So exactly what is Wind Power?
Most of us can picture the classic and mystic windmills that The Netherlands is so well known for, but it's glory days of being one of the only countries to have a firm base in windpower are quickly disappearing.
Wind Power is one of the up and coming super-stars in renewable energy and is steadily climbing in popularity.
Wind power generation increased fivefold globally between 2000 and 2007.
There are multiple variations in harnessing the power of the wind, but the most common is using wind turbines. Wind energy is created when there is enough wind to spin the blades on a turbine and activate the energy conversion process.
Where can I find Wind Power?
Most areas in the world can benefit at least to a certain degree from harnessing the wind in their areas, but it is also true that there are certain areas that are prime locations due to high wind frequency, speed and strength. You can follow the leads below to investigate the wind potential in your area.
USA
Canada
How do I capture Wind Energy?
There are two main categories within wind power generation; (1) large wind production and (2) small wind production.
1- Large Wind Production
Wind farms are becoming more and more popular and are starting to spring up all across the globe. When a group of wind turbines are developed in one location (commonly a wide open field or ridge) in order to generate large amounts of electricity, it is referred to as a wind farm.
2. Small Wind Production
The basic function behind a wind turbine is fairly easy to follow. Kinetic energy (motion energy) in surface winds is captured when the wind forces the turbine blades to move. Movement occurs as the wind blows over the blades, it causes a lifting effect (similar to what happens to the wings of an airplane as it allows the plane to lift off and fly). This lifting effect results in the blades rotating. The blades connect to a piece called the 'shaft' and as the wind causes the blades to move, the shaft begins to turn. It is as the shaft is turning that a magnetic field moves within the generator and produces the end result -- electricity.
How would I benefit from Wind Energy?
Cost Independence
The cost of wind-generated electricity has fallen from nearly 40¢ per kWh in the early 1980s to 3-10¢ per kWh today depending on wind speed and project size. Since wind is free, the price of wind power is stable, unlike electricity from fossil fuel powered sources which depends on fuels whose prices are costly and are constantly climbing and very unstable.
Eco-friendly
Wind energy is a clean and renewable energy and is virtually pollution free.
Wind energy is plentiful and is widely dispersed.
Energy Independence
Homes, businesses, farms and ranches can receive a significant portion of their needed power from free wind energy and can gain more independence from your local utility provider and grid. (in order to support a wind turbine that is capable of creating a valuable amount of energy, one acre of property or more is required).
Remote Electricity Generation.
If you are far away from existing grid lines, generating your own electricity will help you avoid the high costs of having utility power lines brought in.
Ready to post your wind power project and chat with the pro's?
Wind Power Resources:
www.canadianwindpower.com/about_wind.html
www.eere.energy.gov
www.windatlas.ca
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