The first wind turbine made for energy production was made in 1887 in Cleveland, Ohio

(Turbine Generator, the history of wind power). Through use of the natural renewable source

wind, a wind turbine can produce energy. These turbines harness the wind’s energy to produce

electricity. Wind turbines are in two basic types: horizontal-axis turbines and vertical-axis

turbines. Their sizes range from under 100 kW to more than 12 MW. The smaller turbines,

which are below 100 kW are typically used for residential, agricultural, and small commercial

and industrial applications. The larger turbines, which are above 100 kW are typically used by

utilities, electric cooperatives and independent power producers, where they are grouped together

into what is called wind farms. Wind turbines are installed on land or offshore in large bodies of

water like oceans and lakes. On land, large wind turbines are typically installed in wide open

plains, on a ridge, or on top of a mountain. They operate best in wide open areas, where the

wind can flow unimpeded by natural obstacles or any structures.

The main parts of the horizontal-axis wind turbine are the blades, the rotor, nacelle, pitch

system, the generator, the controller, the yaw drive, and the tower. The number of blades can

vary; however, the typical wind turbine has three blades, which are connected at the hub on the

rotor. The rotor goes into the nacelle, which houses the gearbox, generators and controller. All

of this sits on top of the tower, which can be more than 250 meters tall. (General Electric, wind

turbine)

As the wind blows, its energy is captured by the blades, which can be as much as 100

meters long. When hit by the wind, the blade will lift and rotate. The yaw drive pivots the entire

nacelle to the direction of the wind in order to optimize the capturing of the wind’s energy by the

blades. As the blades rotate, the energy forces the rotor to spin. The rotational speed of the rotor

is controlled by the pitch system, which adjusts the angle of blades in contact with the wind. The
rotor is coupled to a gearbox, which increases the rotational speed in order to operate the

generator. The rotation of the generator is what produces the electricity. The electricity from the

generator then travels through a power cable down the tower to a transformer on the ground,

where the voltage levels are adjusted to match the power grid. (Energy Information, how wind

generates electricity)

Advantages:

Wind energy is one of the fastest growing form of energy. There are many advantages to

wind energy. This form of energy production produces no emissions, which is great for the

environment. Wind itself is abundant and it will not run out with as it is a renewable source.

Wind turbines are very modular and can be set up individually or in groups, both small and large,

depending on how much power is needed. Wind turbines can be installed relatively quickly.

Even a wind farm can be installed within one year. (Energy Information, wind energy pros and

cons)

Disadvantages:

Wind energy does have some disadvantages. It must be located at places where there is a

constant steady wind. More areas with the best wind to harness for energy are not located where

the electricity is needed. Transmission lines to bring the electricity to where it is needed can be

distance resulting in line losses and be very expensive. Some location are on top ridges or

mountains or even offshore where it is difficult and expensive to build on. The wind is

intermittent and is most often strongest at night, which is when energy demand is typically the

lowest; therefore, the use of energy storage, such as batteries, is often needed. Often people do

not like to have to see large scale wind turbines from the homes; therefore, they need to be
installed in remote locations. Wind turbines can affect bird and bat migration patterns, which

can impact their environment. (Energy Information, wind energy pros and cons)