How Wind Energy Works

Have you ever considered using the resources that nature provides to power your home? People have relied on wind energy for decades. It is only recently that the renewable alternative to carbon style electricity has been thrust into the limelight. With the battle for the White House in full swing, “going green” is a huge topic and one that wind energy fits into nicely. Wind power is a clean, renewable energy that produces no by-products. It does not use water as a source and emits no carbon dioxide into the environment. Tidbits our presidential candidates would be quick to stand behind.

The power of wind has been used by people over the years to fly kites, wind surf and even to produce electricity. Many small farms in the midwest used old fashioned windmills to produce energy for grinding grain or pumping water from a well. The old fashioned windmill has advanced in recent years to a sleek designed wind turbine. You can find many wind turbine farms in some of the windier states of America. Montana, for instance, has several wind turbine farms in the area of the Chinook winds (strong winds that blow down from the north). These turbine farms generate electricity for the main power grids of their areas.

Let’s take a look at how wind energy works. A wind turbine is much like a fan except it operates backwards. A fan uses electricity to make wind. A wind turbine uses the wind to make electricity. Much like a hydroelectric dam that uses the power of the water to create energy, a wind turbine traps the kinetic energy produced by the wind and converts it into electricity. The electricity produced is DC power. A converter is needed to transform the DC power into AC power for use in private homes. It is important to consult a trained professional about installing a wind turbine into your home.

The idea that a homeowner can capture the wind to power his own home is phenominal. It is every homeowners desire to see the electric bill reduced. Several possibilities exist in aiding the homeowner in his quest for a lighter bill at the end of the month. Wind power is one of them. In some cases, the electric companies that supply carbon style power have been known to pay homeowners that can contribute to the collection of power. There are several possiblilities when purchasing a wind turbine. Many varieties of turbines ranging from very large to rooftop size exist and are available in today’s market. Make going green an economical decision that not only benefits the environment but also puts your money back into your pocket.

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