Understanding Wind Power Turbines

The broad definition of solar power includes secondary solar resources besides that of solar radiation. This is available energy indirectly provided by the sun, as the result of wind, waves, hydroelectricity and biomass. Along with solar radiation, this makes up 99.9% of earth’s renewable energy. There is a great imbalance when it comes to how much available energy the sun provides in comparison to the energy needs of human beings.

All of humans’ electrical needs are a fraction compared to how powerful the sun is. This is evidenced from a 2005 study that showed worldwide electricity consumption measuring 0.0567 zettajoules. This was compared to 3850 zettajoules of solar energy absorbed by Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and land masses, 2.25 zettajoules of global wind energy at 80m, and three zettajoules from photosynthesis. This is all unused solar energy that could be powering the earth many times over!

A wind power turbine is yet another system designed by man that effectively harnesses the sun’s direct and indirect energy resources. A wind turbine is a rotating machine that enables the conversion of kinetic energy from wind (indirectly made possible by the sun) into mechanical energy. After conversion, if the mechanical energy is used directly by machinery then it is called a windmill. However, if the mechanical energy is converted into electricity, then it is identified as a wind generator or wind turbine.

Wind turbines are also categorized according to two types of movement by which the turbine rotates: a horizontal axis and vertical access. There are three main parts of a wind turbine. There is the rotor component and blades, the generator component with control electronics and gearbox, and the structural support component including the tower and rotor pointing parts.

Wind turbines can be very large or small enough to power a boat or caravan with a 50-watt generator. Improved technology, and a more thorough understanding of the wind turbine system, has allowed individual homeowners to use this type of solar energy. These turbines usually fit on the person’s rooftop with tilt up towers. Larger home turbine systems can generate power up to 10 kilowatts.

The Internet age has allowed people concerned about solar energy issues more options, including creating their own system or buying one online. Even while green-thinking mankind waits impatiently to see if lawmakers respond to serious global issues, the individual can now take solar power into his or her own hands.