Unit 6: (6.12) Wind Energy

kinetic energy

the energy an object has due to its motion

wind turbine

a machine that converts the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy of a rotating turbine, and then into electrical energy via a generator

mechanical energy

The energy of a rotating turbine, which can be converted into an electrical current by a generator

Birds and wind turbines

Turbine blades can strike and kill birds. Especially problematic for migratory birds and large birds like the condor and the whooping crane

bats and wind turbines

Researchers have estimated that hundreds of thousands of bats die at the blades of North America's wind industry each year. Many more are killed by the drop in air pressure around turbines, which can cause their lungs to rupture.

wind farm

a group of wind turbines that produce electricity. grouped for efficiency of maintenance and electricity distribution

off shore wind farms

wind farms located in bodies of water. wind is stronger here so turbines generate more electricity, but transmission lines must be built further to get electricity to land where it will be used