Wind power represents the harnessing of energy from wind and converting it into another useful form of energy.  Throughout history, applications powered by the wind have been used by mankind.  However, these applications were essentially limited to the pumping of water and to the grinding of grains.  Technological advancements have now paved the way to effectively harness the wind to produce electricity. 

How do wind generators work?

Modern wind driven electric generators employ mechanical devices commonly referred to as wind turbines.  These turbines utilize large fan or propeller-like blades to tap into the wind’s energy.  The force of the wind causes the blades to rotate, which in turn provides the mechanical force necessary to drive an attached electrical generator that produces the resulting electrical current.  Typically, greater wind speeds will lead to higher electric outputs.  As a rule, the generation of electricity will fluctuate along with variations in wind speed.  For this reason, wind turbines are best located in areas with sufficient annual wind speeds.

Information relating to the geographic elements of potential wind turbine placement as well as other related data can be obtained from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.