KidWind / KnoW Energy
I. Introduction to Wind
Energy
1. From Whence Cometh the
Wind?
1. Wind energy is created by uneven
heating of the earth’s surface.
Wind Is Also Affected by the
Earth’s Rotation
Typical Wind Patterns
Land-Sea Breezes
• Land-sea breezes
created by
temperature
differentials
• Winds also stronger
near shore because
of long
unobstructed fetch
• Sea breezes
typically strongest in
late afternoon
Valley Breeze
Mountain Breeze
2. What Can You Do With Wind
Energy?
(Note the number, size and shape
of the following blades)
Wind Energy has been
Popular for a long time
The pilgrims arrived under the
power of wind. Cape Cod was
home to the first windmill in
America.
Early “WINDMILL” in Afghanistan Probably
Used to Grind Grain
Dutch Style Windmills used to Pump Sea Water
Water Pumping Windmills helped settle
the American West
Electricity Generation
Smith-Putnam Turbine
Vermont, 1940's
3. Where is the best geographical
location for wind turbines?
Wind Potential
Rank
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5
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7
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16
17
Source: U.S. DOE
State
North Dakota
Texas
Kansas
South Dakota
Montana
Nebraska
Wyoming
Oklahoma
Minnesota
Iowa
Colorado
New Mexico
Idaho
Michigan
New York
Illinois
California
World Class Wind Potential
Germany’s Potential: 100 GW
North Dakota’s Potential: 250 GW
Geographical Analysis
• The midwest has large areas of
unobstructed (by mountains, etc.) surface
areas and large temperature differences.
• The west has great temperature swings
and has mountain and valley wind patterns
• The coasts have land/sea wind patterns
4. Where is the best location on
a particular site for wind
turbines?
Wind Speed & Height
Higher means stronger, smoother wind
“Micro-Siting”
End of Part 1