How do wind farms generate electricity

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Wind turbines, which make up wind farms, come in two basic types: ones with blades rotating on either a horizontal axis or vertical axis, both work in pretty much the same way. When wind passes over the blades it's converted into mechanical power. This power is then fed through a transmission, which turns a generator that makes electricity.

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The electricity generated can either be used directly, fed into a transmission grid or stored in batteries for later use.

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Q.� What are the limitations of wind farms

A.� Because wind is an intermittent source of power it doesn't always occur when electricity is needed and can only be stored in batteries. Also the windiest areas of land are often far away from where electricity is needed most, in large cities.

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Q.� Where does wind come from and why is it renewable

A.� The sun and its differential heating of the Earth generates wind and so, as a form of solar energy, it's renewable as the sun always creates it.

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Q.� Could we drop all other sources of energy and just rely on wind power

A.� The total potential energy contained in the wind blowing around the Earth is over 80 times the amount that we currently use. However, because wind is such a variable and scattered resource it's only ever possible to actually utilise a small fraction of this amount.

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Q.� Do wind farms have any negative environmental impacts

A.� On the whole, wind generated electricity avoids most of the traditional environmental impacts associated with electricity generation. Wind power doesn't create harmful greenhouse gases, nor does it present a radioactive risk.

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But wind farms don't have a completely clean slate, they do have some environmental impact. The main environmental concerns surrounding the use of wind energy are impacts on land use, noise and effects on.

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Huge areas of land are required for wind farms, but fortunately the windiest areas are usually so remote that the land would not be used otherwise.

The problem of noise is a relatively minor one as most wind turbines are miles from anywhere and the noise drops once you walk away from the turbine.

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Studies by the Royal Society for the Protection for Birds have dismissed fears that wind farms have a negative effect on bird populations. Traditional fossil fuel electricity still has a much greater impact on wildlife.

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by Lisa Cardy