Wind Energy

Wind energy comes from the movement of air, which we call wind. Wind is produced because the sun heats the earth's surface unevenly. Some places get hotter than others, which causes a difference in air pressure. Hot air rises, and cooler air moves in to take its place. This movement of air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas is what we call wind.

We can use this wind to produce energy. When wind blows, it can turn the blades of a wind turbine. This movement creates mechanical energy. A generator attached to the turbine then converts this mechanical energy into electrical energy, which we can use to power homes, schools, and factories.

Electricity is Generated in a Turbine

• A wind turbine is a machine that turns wind energy into electricity. 
• When the wind blows, it turns the blades of the wind turbine.
• As the blades spin, they produce mechanical energy (the energy of movement).
• The turbine is connected to a generator, which takes the mechanical energy from the blades and turns it into electrical energy.

A wind turbine works similarly to the fan in your home but in reverse. In a fan, electrical energy is turned into mechanical energy to spin the blades and move the air. In a wind turbine, mechanical energy from the wind is turned into electrical energy.

Wind power is the electricity produced by wind turbines. It is a type of renewable energy, which means it comes from a natural source (the wind) and can be used again and again without running out. Other renewable energy sources include solar energy (from the sun) and hydroelectric energy (from moving water).

Complete Connection of Windmills to Generate Electricity

• Generating Electricity: The most common use of wind energy is to produce electricity. As we discussed, wind turbines convert the energy from moving air into electrical energy, which powers homes, schools, and businesses.
• Milling Grains: In the past, wind energy was used to grind grains into flour. Windmills had large blades connected to millstones. As the wind turned the blades, the millstones ground the grains.
• Pumping Water: Wind energy can also be used to pump water from the ground. Special machines called wind pumps use wind energy to move water upward, which can be helpful for farming or getting drinking water.