Wind Power

Wind map

Energy Source

Primary energy source is kinetic energy of air molecules.

The most common secondary energy source is electricity.

Energy Conversion Processes

  • Solar radiation heats land and air
  • Expanding air creates kinetic energy in wind
  • Wind kinetic energy transfers to turbine kinetic energy
  • Converts kinetic energy to electrical energy using a generator

Similarities to Rankine cycle

  • Spinning electromagnetic generators
  • Sun is heat source
  • Moving air but not steam
Source: Tennessee Valley Authority

Vestas Website

Vestas, Turbine Manufacturer

Techno-economic Perspectives

US Wind Installed Capacity
US Wind Jobs by State
Wind Cost

Environmental Perspectives

Environmental and Ecological Impacts

  • Low carbon emissions (only during manufacture and installation)
  • No significant water impact
  • Hazardous to birds, bats, and raptors

Socio-Technical

  • Construction requires heavy machinery
  • Land owners often want freedom to use their land for energy
  • Offshore wind potentially spoils the view from valuable properties

Policy

  • Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) prohibits inadvertent/unintentional bird deaths
  • Windmill operators can get permits for bird deaths if they have mitigation plans
  • A recent executive order would remove unintentional bird deaths from the MBTA

References