Wind Energy and Its Uses

The non-renewable energy resources like fossil fuels, coal etc. are depleting and will end one day as the world is using them. It’s a solid fact that every resource of energy which is taken from earth will because those are limited, and there is no such mechanism that kept on making those non-renewable energy resources under ground. The world then will have to rely on the renewable energy resources. Renewable energy resources like wind can never deplete.

Wind energy and solar energy are the forms of renewable energy that probably can help out mankind from energy crisis.

How Ancient Civilizations Used Wind Energy?

Ancient civilizations were familiar with the use of wind energy and its used was cited in the Chinese, Babylonians, Persians and Middle East Civilizations. In old times wind energy was used to propel the ships and boats, while in China windmills were used for pumping water for irrigation purposes.  Wind energy use was popular in Europe also, in Netherlands windmills were used for irrigation and electricity production in the late 19^th century.

In America windmills were pretty much in use also for irrigation and grinding cereals. Windmills were used in farms and far flung areas to fulfill the energy requirements.  But in 20^th century when electricity supplies were increased windmills got disappeared from scene also! In last 20 years again windmills can be seen across the United States. Wind energy is becoming economical source of energy in many countries around the globe. United States is having a plan to meet its 30% of electricity needs through wind energy till 2030.

Wind Energy Uses in Modern Era

In modern era wind energy is not used similar as it was in ancient time that grinding cereals and pumping water through windmills.  Windmills are now replaced with wind turbines. Wind turbines are used to produce electricity. But the model of wind turbines is similar like windmills. Wind turbines are having these parts:

• Blades
• Shafts
• Gears
• Generators and cable

The wind blows across the wind turbine’s blades which makes them to move. When blades move they makes the shafts connected to them in motion, leading to power in a generator. This makes electricity which is then distributed through cables.

The electricity production capacity depends on size and numbers of the wind turbines. Smaller size wind turbines will make less electricity which probably will be sufficient for a single home. While big size wind turbines can produce electricity for nearly 500 to 1000 homes. Many coastal areas where wind blows round the clock, wind plants are establish to provide electricity to villages and communities.

Wind energy is an environment friendly type of energy that haves zero emissions. So many countries around the globe are now planting wind energy plants. In coming years use of wind energy will increase.