Wind Power ! By Gareth Sweeney, Conor Lees, Gerald Stewart, Eoghan O’Carroll 9E

What is the alternative energy resource? We have chosen wind power because the wind is free and it will soon power all houses in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is a very windy place therefore it will work most of the time.

How does a wind turbine work? 1. The wind blows on the blades and makes them turn. 2.The blades turn a shaft inside the nacelle (the box at the top of the turbine) 3.The shaft goes into a gearbox which increases the rotation speed enough for …. 4.The generator, which uses magnetic fields to convert the rotational energy into electrical energy. These are similar to those found in normal power stations. 5.The power output goes to a transformer, which converts the electricity coming out of the generator at around 700 Volts (V) to the right voltage for distribution system, typically 33,000 V. 6.The national grid transmits the power around the country.

Advantages 1. The wind is free and with modern technology it can be captured efficiently. 2. Once the wind turbine is built the energy it produces does not cause greenhouse gases or other pollutants. 3. Although wind turbines can be very tall each takes up only a small plot of land. This means that the land below can still be used. This is especially the case in agricultural areas as farming can still continue. 4. Many people find wind farms an interesting feature of the landscape. 5. Remote areas that are not connected to the electricity power grid can use wind turbines to produce their own supply. 6. Wind turbines have a role to play in both the developed and third world. 7. Wind turbines are available in a range of sizes which means a vast range of people and businesses can use them. Single households to small towns and villages can make good use of range of wind turbines available today.

Disadvantages 1. The strength of the wind is not constant and it varies from zero to storm force. This means that wind turbines do not produce the same amount of electricity all the time. There will be times when they produce no electricity at all. 2. Many people feel that the countryside should be left untouched, without these large structures being built. The landscape should left in its natural form for everyone to enjoy. 3. Wind turbines are noisy. Each one can generate the same level of noise as a family car travelling at 70 mph

Our choice of wind power Its better than fossil fuels because fossil fuels will run out one day and will never come back until another million years but wind will never run out. Wind is a renewable resource and we can count on it in Northern Ireland. We chose this power source because we think it’s the best one for N.I. because it’s a very windy place and we would get a lot of energy from it.

Conclusion We learned that wind power is a great source of energy because it does not produce greenhouse gases or any other pollution. But the bad thing is that its not reliable therefore it doesn't always produce energy. Its free to use when you build it. The wind is free. There is not many disadvantages about this energy source.