1. Introduction to Wind Power
Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D.
Wilkes University

2. What is wind power? Conversion of wind energy to useful form
Mechanical energy
Transportation
Electricity

3. Why does wind blow? Uneven heating of earth’s atmosphere
Large-scale cells
Air pressure differences

4. Where is wind available?

5. Modern wind power uses turbines in arrays called windfarms

6. Wind turbines are evolving

7. Wind turbine nacelle

8. Connecting to grid

9. Global windpower capacity

10. Global wind as of 2009

11. Wind installations 2011

12. Wind installation U.S.

13. Wind Power in PA Currently have 24 windfarms Future capacity
Total capacity – MW
Enough to power 390,000 homes
Future capacity
4000 MW
Can power million homes

14. Wind costs have declined

15. Benefits of wind power No emissions of carbon into atmosphere
No radioactive waste
Sustainable
Energy is free – only cost is construction of windfarm and some maintenance

16. Concerns about wind energy
Intermittent source of power
Habitat fragmentation
Bird and bat mortality
Aesthetic concerns
Fires
Ice throw
Wind turbine syndrome

17. Wind turbine designs are evolving

18. So is wind power the answer to our energy needs?
You tell me!