BY ELLA GENSHEIMER

WIND POWER

What is wind power?

Wind power is the conversion of wind into useful energy, such as electricity.

The speed of wind, amount of wind, shape of turbine, and height of turbine all effect the amount of energy harvested.

Some things that contribute to the wind flow are uneven heating of the atmosphere, irregularities of Earth’s surface, and Earth’s rotation.

Wind power is a good alternative to fossil fuels because it does not emit carbon dioxide.

When was wind power first used?

Wind power has been used for 5,000 years to propel ships and irrigate land.

Vertical axis windmills were first invented by Estakhri, a Persian geographer, in the 9th century.

Horizontal axis windmills were first used in the Greek islands of Cyclades in the 13th century.

Who first used wind power for electricity?

In 1887, Scottish Professor James Blyth first converted wind energy into electricity. He patented his invention in 1891.

Later that year, Charles F. Brush of the United States also converted wind power into electricity.

Poul la Cour, a Danish scientist, stored wind as hydrogen and oxygen energy

Early Windmills

Windmills were first used to irrigate land. They pumped water throughout fields using energy gathered from the wind.

They were also used to grind grains harvested in the fields.

Modern Day

Modern windmills have v-shaped turbines that are lighter, more stable, and easier to maintain than the previous ones.

They are able to harness wind from any direction.

The largest have a wingspan of 275 meters and can generate 10mw of power.

Modern windmills also operate at a lower height so there are less problems in relation to damage.

Negative Effects

One negative effect of windmills are that they can cause diseases and ailments.

Many people in neighborhoods near windmills have complained of stiff shoulders, headaches, insomnia, hand tremors, and more.

These problem could be caused by sensitivity to infrasonic noise.

Also, the windmills are hazards to many species of birds.

Birds fly into the propellers and are killed, which is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

Positive Effects

Windmills do not release carbon dioxide, so they do not pollute or destroy the environment.

They also do not use any fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

Windmills are a source of renewable energy; meaning that wind is not going to run out like fossil fuels will.

Conclusion

Windmills are a necessary factor in the future because we need renewable resources in order to live life as we know it. As wind power progresses, we will be able to stop destroying the environment.