PresentationWhat is Wind Power?
Learn about Wind Power and how wind turbines work!
What is Wind Power?
Wind blows at different speeds.And in different directions!
Wind is..
Warm and cool air moves around in the earth’s atmosphere.
Warm air weighs less, and it pushes up through the cold air. This movement is called wind!
The bigger the temperature difference - the faster the wind blows.
Renewable energy can be made from wind. It’s called wind power!
Electricity can be generated directly from the wind.
Wind is a renewable energy source because it can’t be used up!
It’s great because it doesn’t cause any damage to the environment.
Wind power is generated through wind turbines.
This is like a modern windmill!
Wind farms are groups of wind turbines.
Have you seen any wind farms?
How do wind turbines work?
Did you know wind turbines are painted white or pale grey to blend in with the surrounding environment?
Each wind turbine has a set of blades.
The box behind them is called a nacelle. The wind makes the blades spin.
The blades rotate making the shaft in the nacelle turn and a generator in the nacelle converts this energy into electrical energy!
What happens next?
The electrical energy passes through a transformer.
A transformer changes the level of power so we can use it in our homes, schools and businesses.
There’s more…
Then it travels to National Grid’s transmission network.
A transmission network includes transmission lines, substations and switching substations.
This takes electricity all over the country!
Finally...
It can be used in homes, offices, schools, libraries - everywhere!
What are the advantages of wind power?
Advantages
• It only needs wind to work
• It doesn’t harm the environment
• Wind turbines don’t take up lots of space so farmers can still continue to farm on the land
• They don’t need lots of maintenance
• It’s an affordable way for homes and businesses to get electricity
What are the disadvantages of wind power?
Disadvantages
• Wind power is not considered to be reliable source of energy
• Electricity from wind power must be stored in batteries
• Turbines can be threat to wildlife such as birds
• Deforestation to set up wind farms can harm habitats and wildlife
• Some people think they spoil the landscape
What do you think?
Have a class vote, are wind farms a good source of renewable energy?
Are there more advantages than disadvantages?
Offshore wind farms
Offshore wind is the generation of electricity from wind farms out at sea.
The force of the wind at sea is transformed into electricity.
Onshore wind farms
Onshore wind farms are in fields or rural areas.
They are in less-populated areas, where buildings and obstacles don't interrupt the air flow.
If you look out to the North Sea from the UK’s East Coast, you’ll see line upon line of these immense wind turbines.
Innovation
Interconnectors are under-sea cables. They are like clean energy highways under the sea!
This means we can share renewable energy with other countries too!
HOW COOL IS THAT? SHARING IS CARING.
Help the planet!
When you next go on a journey, try to spot as many wind turbines as you can!
Help the planet by walking, scooting and riding your bike as much as you can!
The End!
