PrintWind Power
Wind power is derived from the energy in wind. Wind energy develops naturally. As a result, there are no greenhouse gases produced directly by the use of this energy source.
Using the wind as a source of power has been around since 600 A.D. when the Persians used a carousel type windmill to grind grain. By the 1100s, windmills had spread throughout Europe. It was about this time that the Dutch discovered that putting the blades on a horizontal shaft allowed for greater water pumping efficiency. During the 1850s, the windmill made its way to North America where the great plains' farmers made use of them to pump water for livestock and home use.
There are two primary types of wind turbines - horizontal and vertical.
Horizontal axis wind turbines have blades that spin in a vertical plane like airplane propellers. The blades are shaped in such a manner that when wind passes over them, it moves more rapidly over one side, creating a low pressure area behind the blade and a high pressure area in the front. The difference between the air pressure on either side of the blade causes it to spin.
Vertical axis wind turbines work on the same principle as the horizontal axis turbines, however, the blades are parallel to the ground, like an eggbeater.
Wind turbines have a minimum wind speed at which they can begin to generate electricity. For small turbines this speed is around 8 mph and for larger wind turbines (the type that can be hooked to the electrical grid) the speed requirement is at least 13 mph. For most parts of Canada this wind speed is usually available.
It was the oil crisis during the 1970s that led to substantial research and development of wind power for producing electricity. Since that time wind power has made its mark. Over the last 6 years, wind energy has been the fastest growing renewable energy source, especially in Europe. In the U.S., wind farms in California make up the majority of wind turbine installations. Canada's wind power capacity grew from 127 megawatts to 140 megawatts in the year 2000, a 10% growth rate. Saskatchewan is currently actively increasing it's windpower capacity through SaskPower initiatives.
Resources
The Canadian Wind Energy Association - comprehensive information about wind energy in Canada.
Wind Energy Business in Canada - a comprehensive guide to wind energy businesses in Canada.
American Wind Energy Association - since 1974 has advocated the development of wind energy.
The British Wind Energy Association - the largest renewable energy trade association in the UK promoting wind energy.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network - the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Energy Program comprehensive website.
European Wind Energy Association - comprehensive site of wind power utilization within the European Union.
International Wind Energy Marketplace - offers world wide industry news and products.
WINDUSTRY - comprehensive website to create an understanding of wind energy opportunities for economic benefit.
