How can generate electricity from wind

Wind energy only marginally increases total power system variability, as most changes in wind energy output are cancelled out by opposite changes in electricity demand or other sources of supply.

Wind changes tend to be gradual and predictable, making them far less costly to accommodate using less expensive, slower-acting reserves. When wind turbines are spread over large areas, their output becomes far more constant and even easier to accommodate.

Additionally, modern wind plants can provide the same grid reliability services as conventional power plants, in many cases better than conventional plants, by using their sophisticated controls and power electronics. This measures the amount of electricity a wind turbine produces in a given time period typically a year relative to its maximum potential. For example, suppose the maximum theoretical output of a two megawatt wind turbine in a year is 17, megawatt-hours two times 8, hours, the number of hours in a year.

The turbines in a wind farm are connected so the electricity they generate can travel from the wind farm to the power grid. Once wind energy is on the main power grid, electric utilities or power operators will send the electricity to where people need it. Finally, smaller distribution lines deliver electricity directly to your town, home, or business. Wind turbines come in many different sizes and configurations and are manufactured by a range of both domestic and international companies.

The vast majority of turbines installed and energy generated by wind turbines is from utility scale wind turbines and a smaller but fast-growing proportion from offshore wind turbines. Utility scale wind turbines range in size from kilowatts to several megawatts. Electricity is delivered to the power grid and distributed to the end user by electric utilities or power system operators.

Offshore wind turbines are also utility scale wind turbines that are erected in large bodies of water, usually on the continental shelf. Offshore wind turbines are larger than land-based turbines and can generate more power.

Wind is a major climate change solution, which is the largest threat to many species and their habitats. Wind power is far less harmful to wildlife than traditional energy sources it displaces, including to birds and their critical habitats. Overall, wind causes less than 0. Other causes include buildings million , power lines million , cars 80 million , pesticide poisoning, 67 million , and radio and cell towers 6.

Concerns about wind power sometimes reference shadow flicker or noise. However, the science is clear and unambiguous that wind projects do not cause negative health effects. On top of each wind turbine is a box known as a nacelle. Attached to the nacelle are three propeller-like blades that connect to a rotor. Also on the nacelle is an anemometer to measure wind speed and direction. Click here for an inside view of a wind turbine.

The wind direction rotates the nacelle to face into the wind. The energy in the wind called kinetic energy turns the turbine blades around the rotor creating mechanical energy.

Siting a wind farm varies from one location to another, but there are some important matters for land owners to consider: [12]. Wind power project or WPP involves development through own resources and manpower or by availing the technical services from consultant organisations: [13]. The amount of land required for a wind farm varies considerably, and is particularly dependent on two key factors: the desired size of the wind farm which can be defined either by installed capacity or the number of turbines and the characteristics of the local terrain [14].

Typically, wind turbine spacing is determined by the rotor diameter and local wind conditions. Some estimates suggest spacing turbines between 5 and 10 rotor diameters apart. If prevailing winds are generally from the same direction, turbines may be installed 3 or 4 rotor diameters apart in the direction perpendicular to the prevailing winds ; under multi-directional wind conditions, spacing of between 5 and 7 rotor diameters is recommended [14]. Toggle navigation.

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