Wind Power Facts, the #1 destination online for wind power information. We offer you the resources you need to become more informed about wind energy and the steps to take to start generating your own.
Wind power is an alternative form of energy that currently provides electricity to about ten million homes all throughout the United States. Not only does it help to conserve fossil based fuel sources and reduce costs associated with conventional electrical production; it also helps to conserve the environment since it uses the natural power of wind. Here are some basic wind power facts that will help you to better understand this technology.
Wind turbines are used to generate electricity. These structures are built to various heights and have a design that is based off of a traditional windmill. They sit atop large poles which are long and slim and they have blades attached to their top end that resembles a propeller on a plane or helicopter. Whenever the wind blows, the blades turn and electricity is produced from an attached generator. Power plants manage the electricity that is produced from this process. Once the electricity is produced it is then sent into the grid for use by businesses and residents.
According to the Energy Information Administration, there are 36 states that currently have wind power technology.
The top five states that produce the greatest amount of electrical power are:
- California
- Texas
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Washington
Wind generation is different in many parts of the country and it also varies throughout the year. The desert and ocean regions of the United States are areas of the nation which are primarily used for wind production. These natural sources usually create an abundance of wind power which currently accounts for 2.3% of energy in the United States.
The sun is a natural energy source that affects the world’s wind patterns. Wherever there is an abundance of sunshine, wind patterns will be very strong. The wind can be converted into mechanical energy which is used to turn and power wind turbines. Turbines do not need any type of engine to work though they are monitored by computerized equipment to ensure safety. A typical wind generator can last for up to 20 to 30 years and they are designed to function through various climatic conditions. Storms, rain and snowfall will not harm a wind turbine operation.
Wind power doesn’t produce emissions when it’s generated and the technology is usually set up 1000 to 1500 feet away from a populated area. This not only preserves the environment, it also helps to reduce air pollution and to preserve the air quality. Health care costs are also lowered because people do not suffer breathing problems related to air pollution when their power is being produced by means of the wind. Knowing these wind power facts will help give people a clearer understanding about this form of alternative energy.
Wind energy is the cheapest technology to produce which makes it practical and beneficial for power production. The technology also helps landowners and local city governments to generate revenues when they lease their land for wind power generation.
Here at Wind Power Facts we provide you with information on how to make a homemade wind generator.
This technology allows local residents to directly benefit with long term savings, tax incentives and they also create local jobs. Wind technology is not affected by political instability or embargoes. Many government and research institutions are constantly finding new ways to lower production cost and barriers in order to make wind power a more viable form of alternative power. Hopefully these wind power facts will help you to become more aware of the many benefits of wind power energy.
Visit this page for other great wind power facts from Wikipedia
