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Wind
Energy
 Wind Energy is defined
as the “power generated by harnessing the wind, usually
by windmills” (Mayhew). In scientific terms, wind energy
is the "force" of winds blowing across the earth’s surface
("Wind Energy").
Wind is caused by uneven heating on the earth’s surface. The
equator region receives more heat than say, Antarctica.
That heat tries to move from hotter to colder regions. Wind
energy was first harvested centuries ago, when early
windmills were used to power millstones, pumps, and
forges.
Wind farms have been, and are being constructed
in upland areas of the British Isles, such as Wales and
the Lake District, but they have been objected to because
of visual and noise pollution. To solve this problem,
engineers have suggested offshore locations, where wind
speeds are higher and the impact of visual pollution is
dramatically reduced (Mayhew).
When harnessed, wind energy can be converted into mechanical energy
for performing work such as pumping water, grinding
grain, and milling lumber ("Wind Energy"). The amount of
kinetic energy within Earth's atmosphere is equal to
about 10,000 trillion kilowatt-hours.
An efficient windmill can produce 175 watts per square
meter of propeller-blade area at a height of 25m
("Alternative energy sources (2)").
Wind Energy Presentation by U.S. Department of Energy -
Consumer Guide to Renewable Energy
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