Discover What Wind Energy System Is

By: Ryan Narendra

Wind energy system represents a competitively priced and mostly untapped method for generating clean energy from a renewable source. While recent technological advancements continue to improve the technology at a rapid clip, what many may not realize is that wind power is among one of the earliest methods used by civilizations to drive industrialization and technological advancement.

The earliest wind-driven systems on record date back to 3000 B.C. in the form of Egyptian sailboats which harnessed wind power to drive ships across the ocean. Wind power began to evolve into more familiar forms a thousand years later, when Babylonian and Persian societies used windmills to grind grain. The concept spread rapidly through the Middle East, and was brought to Europe by Crusaders in the 11th century. While still used to perform manual tasks, the true utility of wind power is in its generation of electricity, via which the wind's energy can be harnessed in many more ways.

Wind energy system consists of three basic parts. Blades capture wind energy which is transferred to other mechanical components of the system. Blades are often elevated higher off the ground for greater efficiency. While higher elevations make the system more difficult to maintain, each doubling in elevation typically translates into a 12% increase in wind speed which, in turn, translates into greater power output capacity.

When caught by the wind, the blades rotate a shaft. Shafts are categorized based on whether they extend vertically or horizontally. Vertical shafts are uncommon, and only one such exists in production. One key advantage of this design is that the assembly is closer to the ground, and is such easier to maintain. It does, however, require a much larger footprint. It also requires a small amount of energy to get it up to speed before the wind keeps it going. The vertical design is also subject to lower wind speeds, though it is always aligned with the wind and does not require adjustment.

Most shafts are horizontal. This not only minimizes the installation's footprint, but also increases the speed of available wind. Most of these systems employ adjustment mechanisms that orient them such that maximal airflow is attained. While more difficult to maintain, this increase is more than compensated for by boosts in efficiency and land area utilization.

The shaft generates electricity by driving a generator. In basic terms, generators are assemblies of magnets surrounding coils of wire. When rotated by the shaft, the magnets generate voltage in the wires, which is then transmitted out of the generator and into electrical distribution systems which, in turn, send the produced electricity to its next destination.

While the above is a rough description of wind energy system, there are of course many additional components that help ensure their safe and efficient operation. High wind speeds can damage turbines, so sophisticated sensors must shut them down should wind speeds exceed tolerances. Similarly, other systems must prevent damaged turbines from shaking apart and collapsing.

Wind energy systems represent an excellent example of the evolution of technology, from the simple sails that move ships to modern self-adjusting turbines that generate electricity. Furthermore, designs continue developing further such that their efficiency continues increasing while costs fall. Far from its mechanical roots, wind energy now represents viable competition with nuclear power and fossil fuels.

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Wind Energy System

wind energy conversion system

Discover What Wind Energy System Is

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