6.12 Wind Energy

• What is wind energy converted into using wind turbines?

  Electricity
• Wind energy is clean and sustainable because it produces no greenhouse gas emissions
• Wind is naturally available in many regions of the world.
• What is one limitation of wind energy in terms of power generation?

  Intermittency
• Match the limitation of wind energy with its description:

  Intermittency ↔️ Power fluctuates with weather

  Environmental impact ↔️ Affects bird and bat populations
• Steps in the formation of wind:

  1️⃣ Unequal heating of Earth's surface by the sun

  2️⃣ Warm air rises because it is less dense

  3️⃣ Cooler air rushes in to replace warm air

  4️⃣ Convective currents generate wind
• Why does warm air rise in the formation of wind?

  It is less dense
• Convective currents are created by differences in air pressure
• Warm air rises because it is denser than cool air.

  False
• What is the role of the blades in a wind turbine?

  Capture wind energy
• Match the wind turbine component with its function:

  Nacelle ↔️ Houses generator and gearbox

  Tower ↔️ Elevates the turbine
• The blades of a wind turbine transfer kinetic energy to the rotor
• What type of energy does the generator produce in a wind turbine?

  Electricity
• The electricity produced by wind turbines is directly transmitted to the electrical grid.
• What formula is used to calculate the power generated by a wind turbine?

  P = \frac{1}{2} \rho A v^{3} C_{p}</latex>
• In the power formula, $\rho$ represents air density
• What does the variable 'v' represent in the power formula for wind turbines?

  Wind speed
• The power generated by a wind turbine can be calculated using the formula P
• Wind is a renewable resource, making it a sustainable energy source.
• Why is wind energy considered environmentally friendly?

  Produces zero emissions
• Match the disadvantage of wind energy with its explanation:

  Intermittency ↔️ Wind availability fluctuates

  Noise Pollution ↔️ Turbine blades generate noise

  Impact on Wildlife ↔️ Birds and bats collide with turbines

  Visual Impact ↔️ Wind farms can be unsightly
• Wind energy converts the kinetic energy of wind into electricity
• Steps in the formation of wind

  1️⃣ Warm air rises because it is less dense.

  2️⃣ Cooler air rushes in to replace warm air.

  3️⃣ Convective currents are created, generating wind.
• The difference in air pressure between warm and cool regions can be represented as \Delta P
• The blades of a wind turbine capture wind energy and rotate the rotor.
• What does the nacelle of a wind turbine house?

  Generator and gearbox
• Match the component of a wind turbine with its function:

  Blades ↔️ Capture wind energy

  Nacelle ↔️ Houses critical components

  Tower ↔️ Elevates the turbine

  Generator ↔️ Converts mechanical energy
• What is a major environmental concern related to wind energy?

  Bird and bat collisions
• Wind energy produces minimal greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels.
• Wind energy's environmental impact on wildlife and land use requires careful management
• Match the renewable energy source with its characteristic:

  Wind Energy ↔️ Intermittent and abundant

  Solar Energy ↔️ Requires sunlight and panels

  Hydroelectric Power ↔️ Uses flowing water to generate electricity
• What are the three major renewable energy sources mentioned in the study material?

  Wind, solar, and hydro
• Wind energy is one of several renewable energy sources.
• Solar energy depends on sunlight and has minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
• Hydro energy has consistent flow but can alter ecosystems.
• What are the similarities between wind and solar energy in terms of intermittency and greenhouse gas emissions?

  Both intermittent, minimal emissions
• Match the factor with its potential impact:

  Technology ↔️ Increased energy output

  Policy ↔️ Incentives for development

  Funding ↔️ Expansion of projects
• Arrange the trends in wind energy technology from most to least dependent on location:

  1️⃣ Larger Turbines

  2️⃣ Floating Wind Farms

  3️⃣ Smart Grids
• Wind energy is highlighted as a crucial renewable resource for a sustainable energy future.