What is Wind Energy?

Wind energy is a form of solar energy.  The uneven heating of the earth by the sun causes wind.  Wind turbines are devices that capture some of the kinetic energy from the wind and convert it into electricity.  A wind turbine works the opposite of a fan. Instead of using electricity to make wind, like a fan, wind turbines use wind to make electricity. The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity.

 Here is the equation for calculating power in the wind:

Power in the wind  =  k ½ ρ A V³

P – power, W
k = 1.0
ρ – air density, kg/m³ (1.225 kg/m³ at sea level)
A – swept area, m²
V – wind speed, m/s

For more information on how wind energy is created, check out the Danish Wind Industry Association's website.