Introduction to Wind Energy Applications
Manufacturing Engineering
Lesson Plan
Performance Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will be able to discuss wind energy systems, useful applications of wind
energy, and the benefits of wind energy as a renewable energy resource.
Specific Objectives
 Research various forms of wind energy sources.
 Research unique wind energy applications used around the world.
 Research and compile a list of the number of companies that produce wind energy systems.
 Identify wind energy as a renewable resource, conservation of natural resources, and the protection of
our planet.
 Research how the increased use of wind energy has impacted the use of coal to produce electrical
power.
 Create a slide presentation of top selling wind energy systems in the United States (US) and why
customers like their applications.
Terms
 Wind velocity - the speed and direction of the wind as it flows undisturbed.
 Anemometer - an instrument (gauge) used to measure wind speed; the data is used to understand the
wind speed and direction attributes at specific locations.
 Wind speed frequency curve - a data plot indicating the annual number of hours that a specific wind
speed occurs in a given location.
 Wind speed - the rate of wind flow that occurs when the wind blows without the disturbance of
obstacles.
 Wind farm - a collection of wind turbine generators, electrical equipment, and transmission lines
(located at the same place on land) used for the purpose of generating wind energy.
 Wind energy - the process of converting the wind into a useful form of electrical energy by using a
wind generator.
 Wind - air in motion; wind movement is caused by the sun's heat, the earth’s rotation, and the oceans,
forcing air to rise and fall in cycles.
 Turbulence - airflow in a swirling, circular motion in the atmosphere; wind turbulence has a negative
effect on air flow.
 Prevailing wind direction - the most common direction the wind blows in a given location; the wind
direction is determined by several factors, like the seasons and the earth’s rotation.
 Megawatt (MW) - a standard measurement of power capacity by an electric power plant; 1 megawatt
is equal to 1 thousand kilowatts or 1 million watts.
 Kilowatt-hour (kWh) - the measurement of the amount of electricity produced (in kilowatts over a
period of time in hours); a kilowatt-hour is used to measure the monthly consumption of electricity in
homes in the US.
Time
This lesson should take approximately 180 minutes (introduction: 45 minutes; presentation: 90 minutes; and
quiz: 45 minutes).
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
1
Preparation
TEKS Correlations
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result
in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Manufacturing Engineering
 130.329 (c)
o (7) The student knows mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal systems. The student is
expected to:
(A) use pneumatics devices;
(B) use hydraulics devices; and
(C) analyze the effects of heat energy and temperature on products.
Interdisciplinary Correlations
English Language Arts and Reading, English I
 110.31 (b)
o (1) Reading/Vocabulary Development. Students understand new vocabulary and use it
when reading and writing.
Occupational Correlation (O*Net - www.onetonline.org/)
Job Title: Wind Turbine Service Technicians
O*Net Number: 49-9081.00
Reported Job: Field Service Technician; Wind Farm Support Specialist; Wind Technician; Wind Turbine Service
Technician; Wind Turbine Technician
Tasks









Diagnose problems involving wind turbine generators or control systems.
Climb wind turbine towers to inspect, maintain, or repair equipment.
Test electrical components of wind systems with devices such as voltage testers, multimeters,
oscilloscopes, infrared testers, or fiber optic equipment.
Start or restart wind turbine generator systems to ensure proper operations.
Troubleshoot or repair mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions related to variable pitch
systems, variable speed control systems, converter systems, or related components.
Maintain tool and spare parts inventories required for repair, installation and replacement services.
Perform routine maintenance on wind turbine equipment, underground transmission systems, wind
fields substations, or fiber optic sensing and control systems.
Test structures, controls, or mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical systems, according to test plans or in
coordination with engineers.
Inspect or repair fiberglass turbine blades.
Soft Skills
 Active listening
 Critical thinking
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2




Operation monitoring
Equipment maintenance
Repairing
Troubleshooting
Accommodations for Learning Differences
It is important that lessons accommodate the needs of every learner. These lessons may be modified to
accommodate your students with learning differences by referring to the files found on the Special
Populations page of this website.
Preparation
 Review and become familiar with the terminology, website links, and the slide presentation.
 Have materials, slide presentation, and websites ready prior to the start of the lesson.
References
 Webster’s new compact office dictionary (2003). New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing
Co.
Instructional Aids
 Introduction to Wind Energy Applications slide presentation and notes
 Warm-up Activity (slide 3)
 Introduction to Wind Energy Applications Terms and Definitions handout for each student
 Introduction to Wind Energy Applications Terms and Definitions Answer Key
 Introduction to Wind Energy Applications Quiz for each student
 Introduction to Wind Energy Applications Quiz Answer Key
Introduction
The main purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the overall purpose of wind energy applications
and the positive impact this technology has on our environment as a renewable form of energy.

Say
o The power of the wind is observed every day.

Ask
o What are some of the possible uses for this resource?

Say
o We will discuss the growth of wind energy technology and how wind energy is becoming a viable
alternative as a renewable energy source.

Show
o Videos or photos of wind energy systems used today.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
3
Outline
OUTLINE
MI
NOTES TO TEACHER
I. Introduction of lesson
A. Bell Work Activity
B. Warm-Up Activity
Begin Introduction to Wind
Energy Applications slide
presentation.
II. The growth of wind energy production
A. Overview
B. Advantages of wind energy
Have students work on the
Bell Work Activity.
(Slide 2)
III. Discussion
A. Wind energy applications
B. Industrial wind energy applications
C. Wind energy as a renewable resource
D. Conservation of natural resources, and
the protection of our planet
Warm-up Activity
Distribute Introduction to
Wind Energy Applications
Terms and Definitions
handout and have students
(in pairs) teach each other
the terms and definitions.
They may do computerbased research to look up
the meanings.
(Slide 3)
IV. Research
A. Wind energy sources and applications
B. Wind energy usage impacts coal usage
to produce electrical power
V. Create a slide presentation
A. Compile a list of companies that
produce energy systems
B. Include the top selling wind energy
systems (applications) in the US
C. Include why customers like them
D. Show examples of wind energy
systems (applications)
VI.
Introduction to Wind Energy
Applications Quiz
Review, discuss, and
overview Introduction to
Wind Energy Applications.
(Slides 4-9)
Each slide is meant to be
discussed. Have some
background knowledge, and
challenge the students to
make some contributions to
the discussion.
Administer quiz and grade
using answer key.
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4
Multiple Intelligences Guide
Existentialist
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Kinesthetic/
Bodily
Logical/
Mathematical
Musical/Rhythmic
Naturalist
Verbal/Linguistic
Visual/Spatial
Application
Guided Practice
The teacher and students search the Internet to find different sources to gain more insight into
 unique ways wind energy is harnessed to create electrical power around the world; and
 how the increased use of wind energy has impacted the use of coal to produce electrical power.
Independent Practice
 Students will research and compile a list of companies that produce wind energy systems.
 Students will create a slide presentation with photos and specifications of top selling wind energy
systems in the US and why customers like them.
Summary
Review
Students review the terms from the Warm-up Activity and key points from the Introduction to Wind Energy
Applications slide presentation.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment
Teacher will assess students with questions and answers. Students will discuss definitions of terms and key
points from the Introduction to Wind Energy Applications slide presentation.
Formal Assessment
Teacher will administer and grade the Introduction to Wind Energy Applications Quiz.
Enrichment
Extension
Have students use the Internet to research additional ways Wind Energy is being used and write a 125-word
paper.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
5
Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
Introduction to Wind Energy Applications
Terms and Definitions
Use the Internet to research the definitions to the following wind energy terms.
1. Wind
2. Anemometer
3. Wind speed frequency curve
4. Wind speed
5. Wind farm
6. Wind energy
7. Wind velocity
8. Turbulence
9. Prevailing wind direction
10. Megawatt (MW)
11. Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
6
Introduction to Wind Energy Applications
Terms and Definitions
Answer Key

Wind- air in motion; wind movement is caused by the sun's heat, the earth’s rotation, and the oceans’
impact on the temperature of the air, forcing air to rise and fall in cycles.

Anemometer- an instrument (gauge) used to measure wind speed; the data is used to understand the
wind speed and direction attributes at specific locations.

Wind speed frequency curve- a data plot indicating the annual number of hours that a specific wind
speed occurs in a given location.

Wind speed- the rate of wind flow that occurs when the wind blows without the disturbance of
obstacles.

Wind farm- a collection of wind turbine generators, electrical equipment, and transmission lines
(located at the place on land) used for the purpose of generating wind energy.

Wind energy- when the power of the wind is converted into a useful form of electrical energy by using
a wind generator.

Wind velocity- the speed and direction of the wind as it flows undisturbed.

Turbulence- airflow in a swirling, circular motion in the atmosphere; wind turbulence has a negative
effect on air flow; wind farm locations may be chosen based on low levels of turbulence in the area.

Prevailing wind direction- the most common direction the wind blows in a given location; the wind
direction is determined by several factors, like the seasons and the earth’s rotation.

Megawatt (MW)- a standard measurement of power capacity by an electric power plant; 1 megawatt
is equal to 1 thousand kilowatts or 1 million watts.

Kilowatt-hour (kWh)- the measurement of the amount of electricity produced (in kilowatts over a
period of time in hours); a kilowatt-hour is used to measure the monthly consumption of electricity in
homes in the US.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
7
Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
Introduction to Wind Energy Applications
Quiz
Directions
Read each statement and fill in the blanks with the correct answers.
1. Wind energy can be____________________ and____________________.
2. The source of wind energy is the result of several of the following factors: ____________________,
____________________, ____________________, and____________________.
3. The use of wind energy today, does not affect the______________________________.
4. Windmills were used by ancient civilizations and pioneers to____________________, and
__________________________________________________.
5. ____________________ blades capture the wind to provide the ___________________
that turns generators for _________________________.
6. Wind turbine systems placed offshore capture the ____________________that occurs over the ocean
to generate ____________________than wind turbine systems placed onshore.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
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Introduction to Wind Energy Applications Quiz
Answer Key
Directions
Read each statement and fill in the blanks with the correct answers.
1. Wind energy can be____________________ and____________________.
Answers
 Inconsistent; and
 unpredictable
2. The source of wind energy is the result of several of the following factors: ____________________,
____________________, ____________________, and____________________.
Answers
 heat from the sun
 uneven earth surface
 high and low pressure
 the earth’s rotation
3. The use of wind energy today, does not affect the______________________________.
Answer
 energy supply in the future
4. Windmills were used by ancient civilizations and pioneers to____________________, and
__________________________________________________.
Answers
 grind grain
 pump water from deep underground wells
5. ____________________ blades capture the wind to provide the ___________________
that turns generators for _________________________.
Answers
 Wind turbine
 rotational force
 electrical power production
6. Wind turbine systems placed offshore capture the ____________________that occurs over the ocean
to generate ____________________than wind turbine systems placed onshore.
Answers
 higher wind velocity
 higher power
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
9