What is wind energy? Wind is a form of solar energy.

Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, the irregularities of the earth's surface, and rotation of the earth. Wind flow patterns are modified by the earth's terrain, bodies of water, and vegetative cover. This wind flow, or motion energy, when transformed by wind turbines, can be used to generate electricity. The high pressure areas tend to bring clear skies and low surface winds, whereas low pressure areas tend to be windier and cloudier. Since warm air is less dense and creates less air pressure, it will rise; cold air is denser and creates greater air pressure, and so it will sink. When warm air rises, cooler air will often move in to replace it, so wind often moves from areas where it's colder to areas where it's warmer. The greater the difference between the high and low pressure or the shorter the distance between the high and low pressure areas, the faster the wind will blow. Wind also blows faster if there's nothing in its way, so winds are usually stronger over oceans or flat ground. Air pressure also varies over time, and these temporal differences are usually caused by the temperature of the air. Cool air is denser (heavier) than warm air. Warm air is less dense (lighter) than cool air and will therefore rise above it. Areas of high pressure can be caused when cool air is sinking and pressing on the ground. At this time, the weather is usually dry and clear. In contrast, when warm air rises, it causes a region of low pressure. With low pressure, the weather is often wet and cloudy.

How is wind energy created? The terms "wind energy" or "wind power" describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power and then a generator is used to convert mechanical power into electricity. Electricity generated from wind power can be highly variable at several different timescales: hourly, daily, or seasonally. However, wind is always in constant supply somewhere, making it a dependable source of energy because it will never expire or become extinct. Wind power is created by different types of wind power generators. The two most commonly used wind machines are: Windmills Windmills are the oldest form of technology used to create wind energy. They were originally created to help pump water for farming and consisted of a tower with a multi-bladed rotary engine. The wind would turn the blades, which would then turn a crankshaft that would pump the water. Windmills can be used for not only pumping water, but also for grinding grain, tobacco and other spices.

Wind Turbines

Wind turbines are the most modern wind machines that also use large blades to generate electricity. These machines consist of blades that are mounted on a turning shaft. The shaft has a gear transmission box that increases the speed of the blades. The transmission is attached to another shaft that turns a generator to create electricity. Wind turbines can be use for charging batteries, powering homes and in a large scale or called wind turbine farm, the electricity is supplied to the grid.