leed International, llc

What is Wind Energy?   

The terms "wind energy" or "wind power" describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power.  

This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity to power homes, businesses, schools, and the like.

Wind is a form of solar energy. 

Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, the irregularities of the earth's surface, and rotation of the earth. Wind flow patterns are modified by the earth's terrain, bodies of water, and vegetative cover. This wind flow, or motion energy, when "harvested" by modern wind turbines can be used to generate electricity.

Wind turbines, like aircraft propeller blades, turn in the moving air and power an electric generator which supplies an electric current.  

Modern wind turbines fall into two basic groups; the horizontal-axis variety, like the traditional farm windmills used for pumping water; and the vertical-axis design, like the eggbeater-style Darrieus model, named after its French inventor.  

Modern wind technology takes advantage of advances in materials, engineering, electronics, and aerodynamics.   Wind turbines are often grouped together into a single wind power plant, also known as a wind farm, and generate bulk electrical power.   Electricity from these turbines is fed into the local utility grid and distributes to customers just as it is with conventional power plants.

Benefits of Wind Energy

Enviromental

• Using wind power reduces c*arbon dioxide, along with other* greenhouse gas emissions, which contributes to countermeasuring climate change.
• Generating of electricity from wind does not require mining, drilling, nor transportation of any fuel. Therefore it saves limited resources of fossil fuels on Earth.
• It does not contribute to any loss to water circulation in eco-systems.
• Wind power does not generate solid nor gaseous polluting waste (also the radioactive ones).
• The technology is free of risk such as reactor breakdowns

Social and Economical

• The cost of wind energy is stable, since it is not affected by fuel market price fluctuations.
• Building wind plants creates job opportunities and new workplaces* in the community. Furthermore, money for the investment is spent locally (procuring materials, servicing during construction and after the turbines are set). Thereupon, general economic growth of the region is being spurred.
• Wind power investments tend to improve local infrastructure* like roads, power, transportation.
• It clearly saves money by offsetting oil, gas fired generation or expensive power imports.
• The development of wind energy solutions encourages eco-tourism. It has a great impact on regional development and activation.
• Wind power, comparing to other energy sources, provides the best guarantee of preserving natural rural landscape. Wind turbines occupy little amount of space and may easily coexist with agri- or horticulture.
• The operational costs of wind energy are relatively low.
• Wind energy contributes to diversification of energy sources and decreases dependence from energy or fuel imports which increases energy security of the country.

Wind Energy in the United States

The U.S. wind industry broke all previous records by installing close to 10,000 megawatts of new generating capacity in 2009 thanks to Recovery Act incentives.

The total installed capacity in the U.S. is now over 35,000 MW. In 2009, 38
manufacturing facilities were brought online, announced or expanded.

Development of Wind Power Energy Capacity 

in the United States from 1999 to 2009

Wind Resources and Transmission Lines

in the United States 

Texas Wind Energy Farm

Texas Wind Energy Farm