Windy, Wind Energy
CJ Shelton
How is wind energy used to generate electricity?
Wind power converts the kinetic energy in wind to generate electricity or mechanical power. This is done by using a large wind turbine usually consisting of propellers; the turbine can be connected to a generator to generate electricity, or the wind used as mechanical power to perform tasks such as pumping water or grinding grain. As the wind passes the turbines it moves the blades, which spins the shaft.
What are the environmental impacts of wind energy?
Cons: Wind turbines blades batter birds, killing 20,000 to 37,000 a year.
What are the economic impacts of wind energy?
Cons: Shadow flicker occurs when the blades of the rotor cast a shadow as they turn. Research has shown the worst-case conditions would affect, by way of light alteration, neighboring residents a total of 100 minutes per year, and only 20 minutes per year under normal circumstances. Designers of wind farms avoid placing turbines in locations where shadow flicker would be a problem any significant amount of time.
How much does it cost per kWh?
What countries frequently use wind energy?
What percentage is it used in the United States?
Wind energy generates about 4.4% of the country’s electricity.
What are the most common applications for wind energy?
Citation
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"Pros & Cons of Wind Energy." Windustry. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2016.
"News." How Does a Wind Turbine Generate Electricity. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2016.
"Positive & Negative Facts About Wind Energy." Home Guides. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2016.