A wind energy conversion system (WECS),[1] or wind energy harvester[2] is a machine that, powered by the energy of the wind, generates mechanical energy that can be used to directly power machinery (mill, pump, ...) or to power an electrical generator for making electricity.[3] The term can thus refer to windmills, windpumps as well as wind turbines.

Operation

The conversion of the energy of the wind into more useful forms can be done using a rotor fitted with blades or sails.

Windmills

A windmill is a mill powered by the wind. It allows to reduces a solid or coarse substance into pulp or minute grains by crushing, grinding, or pressing.

Windpumps

A schematic of a windpump

A windpump is a type of windmill used for pumping water from a well or draining land.

Windturbines

The most modern generations of windmills are more properly called wind turbines, or wind generators, and are primarily used to generate electricity. Modern windmills are designed to convert the energy of the wind into electricity. The largest wind turbines can generate up to 6MW of power (for comparison a modern fossil fuel power plant generates between 500 and 1,300MW).

With increasing environmental concern, and approaching limits to fossil fuel consumption, wind power has regained interest as a renewable energy source. It is increasingly becoming more useful and sufficient in providing energy for many areas of the world.

One area where turbines have become feasible is in the Midwestern United States, due to great amounts of wind.

See also

Gallery

References

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Interwiki links

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