1a In pairs, answer the following questions about wind turbines.

1 What function do wind turbines perform?

Function of Wind Turbines:

Wind turbines are devices designed to convert the kinetic energy from the wind
into electrical energy. They perform the following functions:

Electricity Generation: The primary function of wind turbines is to generate

electricity. When the wind blows, it causes the turbine's blades to spin, which in
turn drives a generator to produce electrical power.

2 What are the main advantages and disadvantages of wind

turbines?

Advantages:

Clean and Renewable

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Job Creation

Energy Independence

Disadvantages:

Intermittency

Visual and Noise Impact

Space Requirements

Bird and Bat Collisions

Initial Costs

3 What types of location are most suitable for wind farms?

Suitable Locations for Wind Farms:

Wind farms are most suitable in areas that have consistent and strong wind
resources.
Key factors for selecting suitable locations include:

Wind Speed and Consistency

Low Turbulence

Accessibility

Environmental Impact

Regulatory and Community Support

Grid Connection

Economic Viability

Resource Assessment

b In pairs, discuss the functions and technical characteristics of

the following wind turbine components. blades tower generator

1. Blades:

Function: The blades of a wind turbine are perhaps its most recognizable
feature. Their primary function is to capture the kinetic energy from the wind
and convert it into rotational energy, which drives the generator to produce
electricity. The shape and design of the blades are critical for efficiently
harnessing wind energy.

Technical Characteristics:

Material: Wind turbine blades are typically made of composite materials like
fiberglass or carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy. These materials are lightweight,
strong, and resistant to environmental conditions.
Length and Size: The length of wind turbine blades can vary widely depending
on the turbine's capacity and design. Modern utility-scale turbines can have
blades ranging from 30 meters (100 feet) to over 80 meters (260 feet) in length.
Aerodynamic Profile: Blades are carefully designed with an aerodynamic
profile to maximize lift and minimize drag. This design enables efficient energy
capture across a range of wind speeds.
Twist and Taper: Blades are often twisted along their length to optimize their
angle of attack as they move from the root (attached to the hub) to the tip.
Tapering is also used to reduce blade weight and improve aerodynamic
performance.
Pitch Control: Many turbines have pitch control systems that allow the angle of
the blades to be adjusted in real-time to optimize performance in varying wind
conditions.

2. Tower:

Function: The tower of a wind turbine serves several essential functions. It

supports the entire structure, including the rotor, blades, and generator, at a
sufficient height to access higher and more consistent wind speeds. It also
houses key electrical and mechanical components.

Technical Characteristics:

Material: Wind turbine towers are typically constructed from steel or concrete.
Steel towers are more common for commercial turbines due to their strength-to-
weight ratio and ease of transportation and assembly.

Height: Tower height can vary significantly depending on the wind resource
and turbine design. Utility-scale turbines can have towers reaching heights of 80
meters (260 feet) or more.

3. Generator:

Function: The generator in a wind turbine is responsible for converting the

mechanical energy from the rotating blades into electrical energy. It
accomplishes this through the principle of electromagnetic induction.

Technical Characteristics:

Type: Wind turbines typically use one of two types of generators: asynchronous
(induction) generators or synchronous generators. Asynchronous generators are
more common in modern turbines due to their simplicity and reliability.
Power Rating: The generator's power rating determines the maximum electrical
output of the turbine. Utility-scale turbines can have generator ratings ranging
from 1 megawatt (MW) to several MW.

Speed Control: Generators are designed to operate over a range of rotational

speeds, allowing them to capture energy efficiently at varying wind speeds. This
is achieved by controlling the rotor's speed using pitch control or variable-speed
technology.
Output Voltage: The generator produces electricity at a specific voltage,
typically in the range of hundreds of volts to several thousand volts, depending
on the design and application.
These three components work together harmoniously to harness wind energy
efficiently and convert it into electricity for various applications, from powering
homes to feeding electricity into the grid for broader consumption. Their design
and technical characteristics play a crucial role in the performance and
reliability of wind turbines.

2c Make the following words negative by adding the prefixes in-

or un-.
1. adequate = inadequate
2. efficient = inefficient
3. appropriate = inappropriate
4. reliable = unreliable
5. consistent = inconsistent
6. sufficient = insufficient
7. economical = uneconomical
8. suitable = unsuitable
9. effective = ineffective

4a What is a solar tower and how does it use the forces of

expansion and pressure?

A solar tower uses the forces of expansion and pressure created by the
temperature difference between the heated air inside the collector and the cooler
air outside to induce an updraft of air through the tower. This updraft drives
turbines, which, in turn, generate electricity. Solar towers are a form of solar
thermal power generation and can provide a consistent source of renewable
energy when designed and operated efficiently, especially in regions
with ample sunlight.

4b What physical forces would act on a solar tower 1km high?

Gravity: Gravity is a force that attracts any two objects with mass. The taller the
solar tower, the greater the gravitational force acting on it.
Wind: Wind is the movement of air. It can be caused by a variety of factors,
such as pressure differences, temperature gradients, and the rotation of the
Earth. The wind can exert a force on the solar tower, which can cause it to sway
or even collapse if the force is strong enough.
Air pressure: Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air above
us. The higher the altitude, the lower the air pressure. This is because there is
less air above us at higher altitudes. The pressure difference between the air
inside the solar tower and the air outside can create a force on the tower.

4d Label the diagrams using the forces in Exercise 4c.

1. Compression
2. Extension
3. Tension/Torque
4. Bending
5. Shear Tension
6. Friction
7. Pressure
8. Centrifugal Force

Power for the future

B Mark each description T for tidal energy, S for solar energy, or B for
both.

effective only in certain kinds of weather: S

not commonly used because too expensive: T
amount available is unlimited: B
can be used in a very simple way: S
being researched right now: T
is not used for large projects: S
could be produced far from Earth: S
small systems for individual buildings: S

C Circle T for true, F for false, or N for no information.

Solar power is mainly used today in countries with hot, sunny climates. T
In the future, satellites will use solar power to operate. T
Twenty-five percent of our electricity now comes from tidal power. F
Governments have not invested enough money in renewable energy. N
The sun produces much more energy than we need. T
Cost is a problem with some renewable sources of energy. T
In the future, engineers want to develop much smaller wave machines. N
Solar power can be used to heat both air and water. T
Tidal power is produced only in very cold water. F
Solar power is more widely used than tidal power today. T

D Select the correct word to complete each sentence.

If a problem is pressing, it is (urgent / very annoying ): urgent
If a project is feasible, it is ( practical / impossible ): practical
If technology is for domestic use, it is used in ( factories / homes ): homes
If you transmit something, you ( send it / throw it away ): send it
If something is remote, it's ( close / far away ): far away
If people collaborate, they ( work together / compete ): work together