Wind EnergyBy :Gina DiJohn

Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power or electricity • Can power homes, businesses, schools and

pump water

The wind turbines turn the blades, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity.

Large wind turbines can give electricity to 1,400 homes and small turbines can give electricity power small homes or business. Utility-scale turbines range in size from 50 to 750 kilowatts.However a major challenge is wind power doesn’t always blow electricity when needed. Unless it has a battery to store electricity.

Wind power

The technology requires a higher investment than fossil-fueled generators at first.

80% of the cost is the machinery, with the balance being site preparation and installation.

Wind turbines under 100 kilowatts cost roughly $3,000 to $5,000 per kilowatt of capacity

10 kilowatt machine the size needed to power an average home might cost $35,000-$50,000.

Cost

Little impact on the environment compared to fossil fuel power plants.

There is some concern over the noise produced by the rotor blades

Also birds and bats having been killed by flying into the rotors.

But most of these problems have been resolved or greatly reduced through technological development

Environmental Concerns

There are wind power plants spread out across the U.S. and the majority are located in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Technological Developments