Wind Energy Handout

What is wind energy? - Energy that comes from the movements of the wind across the earth. This energy is a result of the heating of our oceans, planet, and the atmosphere by the sun. - Wind turbines are used to generate electricity using the wind. (Later discussed in the handout).

Raw Materials - There are various raw materials used to make wind turbines. - Wind turbines require metric tons of steel, copper, aluminum, concrete, iron, and neodymium. (Fiberglass and wood are also used). - According to many scientists, raw materials will be on high demand because of the increasing number of turbines. - Some materials used are recyclable. (Fiberglass, wood, etc.) - Wind turbines can actually be recycled after they stop working. * Thats why we see an increase, then a decrease of materials on the chart. After a certain amount of time, new turbines must be built. Energy Generation - The blades get the wind, which makes the windmill turn. - Then the internal shaft spins a magnet inside coil of wires. - The magnet then forces electrons through the wires, which produces electricity. - Finally the electricity is sent out into a power grid, which can possibly provide electricity for a whole city.

Costs: - Costs of the wind turbine depends on various things such as the size of the turbine location how fast it runs construction - Energy costs range from 3.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (1000 watts per hour) to 5 cents more. (Remember location can increase the price). Wind energy cheaper in places where there is more wind. - It may be a bit expensive to build, but in the long run wind energy saves more money than fossil fuels. Environmental Impact: - Offshore windmills take up a diameter of 120 meters. - Some farmers see wind turbines as a problem because many are set up on a farm, but they arent harmful to crops or soil. - In total windmills only take up 1% of a whole farm so it doesnt disturb the natural life. -There are several raw materials needed to build them. (As previously mentioned). Pros: - Wind turbines can be built on land (farms). They could also be built in the ocean with no impact. - Wind turbines can be removed and once removed they won't affect the land. The land will go back to how it originally was with no real impact to the soil. - Wind is free, once installed the wind turbines dont have to rely on certain materials like other energy sources do (e.g. fossil fuels). - Wind energy doesnt release any carbon dioxide since it is using wind. Other energy sources such as fossil fuels release a lot of carbon dioxide, which damages the earth.

Cons: - Wind turbines have caused many birds and bats to die because they hit the rotating blades. - People in the area mostly complain that wind turbines dont look nice in the countryside (where they are generally located). Also they complain about the noise the turbines make. - Storms and lightning can damage the turbines and make them malfunction. - Wind is unpredictable; sometimes not a lot of electricity will be produced.

- There has been cases where wind turbines have intervened with television and cell phone signals, causing a problem for people who live in areas close by.