What is it?

 

Wind energy is energy obtained from wind currents. A typical electricity generation system consists of the turbine, its supports, a safety switch, an inverter, a production meter, and a load center.

 

 

How does it work?

 

Winds of a high enough speed spin the blades of the turbine. The required wind speed is dependent on the type and size of the turbine. A turbine that is sufficiently elevated and away from any obstacles will result in the highest production. The rotating turbine then powers a generator which produces direct current electricity. This DC electricty is run through an inverter to produce AC electricity which can be utilized in the house. The electricity is run through a production meter to monitor how much electricty has been produced by the turbine. There is also an AC load center which allows for fluctuations in electricity generation by storing a small amount of power in batteries for when generation is low.

 

 

Advantages:

 

• generates free electricity

• zero-emissions

• low operational costs

• require only a small plot of land

 

 

Disadvantages:

 

• requires constant wind stream

• produce noise