1. Wind Power TJ and Paige

2. How Does It Work?  http://energy.gov/ eere/wind/how- does-wind-turbine- work http://energy.gov/ eere/wind/how- does-wind-turbine- work  The propeller blades of the wind turbine capture the wind’s kinetic energy.  The propeller blades connect to the rotor on the wind turbine.  The rotor is also connected to the main shaft of the turbine.  The main shaft of the wind turbine drives the generator.  The generator then produces electricity.

3. Parts of the Wind Turbine  Blades - capture the wind’s energy.  Nacelle - Houses the gear box and generator.  Gear Box -connects the low speed shaft to the high speed shaft.  Generator -produces electricity.  Rotor - holds the blades and hub together.  Anemometer -measures the wind speed.  Main Shaft -drives the generator.  Wind Vane - measures wind direction.  http://energy.gov/eere/wind/inside -wind-turbine-0 http://energy.gov/eere/wind/inside -wind-turbine-0

4. Energy Efficiency Ratio  In an ideal area, a wind turbine can run at 30% efficiency.  The energy efficiency ratio of Wind Power is 1:5  The turbines yield 5 kilocalories of electrical energy.  http://www.geotimes.o rg/aug05/feature_pim ental.html http://www.geotimes.o rg/aug05/feature_pim ental.html

5. Where Would It Be Used?  Texas uses more than 30% of wind energy production in the United States.  This map shows the highly windy areas where wind power is most used.  http://www.windsolare nergy.org/images/avg windmapcolor.jpg http://www.windsolare nergy.org/images/avg windmapcolor.jpg

6. Problems of Use  Wind fluctuates and does not give the constant same amount of energy (Can’t be mitigated because it’s a natural occurrence)  The manufacturing and installation of wind turbines make expensive investments. (Can be mitigated with tax payments and government subsidies)  Wind turbines threaten birds and bats flight pathways because of their height above ground. (Can be mitigated if wind turbines are installed lower and closer to the ground)  Wind Power has a low net energy. (Can’t be mitigated because it takes more energy to install and generate wind power than can be produced and consumed)  http://energy.gov/eere/wind/advantages -and-challenges-wind-energy http://energy.gov/eere/wind/advantages -and-challenges-wind-energy

7. Wind Power vs. Fossil Fuels Wind Power  More expensive (Disadvantage)  Lower net energy (Disadvantage)  More environmentally sustainable (Advantage)  Renewable (Advantage) Fossil Fuels  Less expensive (Advantage)  Higher net energy (Advantage)  Greenhouse gas emissions; less environmentally sustainable (Disadvantage)  Non-renewable  (Disadvantage) http://energy.gov/eere/wind/advantages-and-challenges-wind-energy