Renewable Energy Education: Wind
Wind is caused by the different rates at which different places on earth are warmed by the sun, the interaction between air of different temperatures, water, clouds, mountains, and the earth's rotation. The energy in wind indirectly comes from the energy in sunlight. Wind has been used to propel ships for thousands of years and to power windmills for hundreds of years.
General Information:
The following web sites provide general information about wind energy:
U.S. Department of Energy.
US National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory - Wind technology center
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory - Wind energy basics
American Wind Energy Association (wind generation in Pennsylvania).
General Information about Small Wind Systems:
Small wind systems are systems that have peak outputs of less than 100kW. Individual owners may have windmills with peak outputs of only a few kW. For general information on small wind systems, visit these web sites:
- US DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Small Wind
- US DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Wind Turbine Use
- US DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Small Wind Electric Systems
- State of Minnesota Consumer Guide - Small Wind Energy System
- American Wind Energy Association - Tutorial
Technical Issues:
For information on technical issues related to designing and installing wind systems, visit the following websites.
Wind resources.
Siting considerations.
Wind turbines.
Wind towers.
Wind system manufacturers.
Inverters.
Interconnection issues.
- American Wind Energy Association - Small Wind State by State
- American Wind Energy Association - Technical Requirements
National Wind Technology Center technical documents.
Economic Issues:
The following is more information on economic issues related to designing and installing wind systems.
Costs and Savings.
Financial Assistance.
- US Department of Energy - Incentives
- American Wind Energy Association - Library
- State Incentives for Renewable Energy - Databases
Environmental Issues:
The following is information on environmental issues related to designing and installing wind systems.
General Environmental Information.
Impact on Wildlife.