6.12: Wind Energy

Question 1

Wind Electricity Generation

Only produces in 8-55 mph winds

Answer 1

Wind spins a turbine and rotating gears within that turbine creates mechanical energy that the generator transforms into electricity

Question 2

Location

Answer 2

Locating wind farms together makes service, repair, and building transmission to them easier

Question 3

Off shore wind farms

Answer 3

Wind farms in oceans or lakes.
* Faster wind speeds
* Does require transmission lines built across long distances to reach land

Question 4

Wind Energy benefits

Answer 4

Non depeletable
No GHG emissions or air pollutants when generating electricity
Can share land uses (doesn’t destroy habitat or cause soil/water contamination)

Question 5

Wind Energy Drawbacks

Answer 5

• Intermittency (can’t replace base load power)
• Can kill birds and bats
• Eyesore/ noise pollution