Suntricity Power

Wind power is a type of energy created by turning the strength of the wind into useable energy. The idea of using wind power stemmed from the technology of using windmills in converting wind energy to mechanical power. It wasn’t until 1979 when wind power generating was formally established as an industry, which saw the mass production of wind turbines.

The process of producing electricity using wind movement all starts with wind turbines. Wind turbines look like giant fans with three prongs that rotate continuously, which are often located  in areas with high wind velocity. Though a lone wind turbine can produce a steady amount of electricity, there are also entire areas filled with wind turbines dedicated to creating energy, which are typically called wind farms.

Energy is generated with each rotation, a mechanism similar to windmills in the old days, though windmills were mostly used to pump water and grind grains, not produce electricity. As wind passes through the turbine, it forces the prongs to rotate, creating kinetic energy through a built-in generator. This kinetic energy is stored and converted into electricity by connecting the wind turbine system to a communications system and power collection system. As it passes through this system, the voltage of the electricity created is relatively small, around 34.5 kv. As soon as it passes through a transformer, the electrical current increases in voltage, to adapt to the requirements of the electric transmission system. Most of the energy produced goes to the electricity grid, where it is transmitted and distributed to buildings like schools, offices, and other facilities powered by electricity. Whenever there is surplus or excess energy, the company in charged of generating wind power often store it and sell the excess electricity to other utility companies.

The main problem wind power generation has to work around on is the consistency of wind capacity. Because wind movement and speed is not constant, proper electricity storage is a big part of wind power generation. Unlike conventional means of generating electricity, wind power does not depend on fuel cost but rather on the wind itself. Wind power, without the proper storage equipment would come in intermittent, short bursts. Today, technology has made it possible for facilities to have a consistent flow of electricity. Most electricity grids powered by wind power have several substations, induction generators and capacitor banks to maintain the steady flow of electricity, even during times when the wind speed is minimal. Keep in mind that not all wind energy is converted into energy. Most of this energy is lost during the entire process, though methods of harnessing energy have steadily improved through time.

An important factor in wind power generation is wind turbine placement. Not all places are conducive for wind power generation. It is important that the area is located either at a high altitude or near valleys, where the wind is strong. Aside from wind strength, the are itself is important. To power an entire city, several acres of land must be devoted solely for wind turbine placement. It is also possible to generate a lot of wind power in the coastal areas. These coastal wind farms generate more wind power as ocean winds travel faster with consistent speed.