Harnessing wind energy

The kinetic energy of the blowing wind can be converted to several useful forms of energy that can be put to use for many purposes. Harnessing this kinetic energy is necessary for the application of wind energy. Wind energy can be harnessed by using wind turbines.

A wind turbine is a machine that has two or three propeller like blades. These are called rotors. The rotors are attached to the top of a very tall tower. When the wind blows, the rotors spin. The spinning of rotors powers a generator. Within the generator a number of copper connectors and magnets produce electricity.

The reason for installing rotors at a height is that at high altitudes there is more wind. The rotors are able to trap more wind energy if they are installed at a height and thus generate more electricity. The electricity generated by a wind turbine is enough to meet the requirements of a single household or a small community and it can even power mills for grinding grains and to pump water.

For commercial use, this electricity is not enough. Therefore, wind farms are installed with a number of wind turbines. The electricity generated by the wind turbines is supplied to electricity provider companies that provide electricity for commercial use.

Wind turbines do not cause pollution and depend upon wind which is a renewable source of energy. They also reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The problem with using wind turbines is that they create noise pollution and also harm birds by either killing or injuring them.