Activity 3.2.3 - Alternative Energy - Wind Energy

 Alternative energy is the energy that does not come from fossil fuels, which produces less greenhouse gasses. Alternative energy is not relied upon as the main energy source. 

Alternative energy sources can be sunlight, wind, geothermal heat, and water. Some of these sources can be inexhaustible, such as the sun. The sun is the main source in alternative energy because almost all of these sources relate back to the sun in some way. Using these sources will help decrease the amount of greenhouse gasses in the air and decrease pollution. Also, using one of the sources, you do not have to be in an area near a power plant. "Homes, businesses, and isolated communities can use sources such as solar to produce electricity without being near a power plant or being connected to an electrical grid" (Mutiti, 2018). 

Wind power is a renewable energy source that uses the movement of air to generate electricity. Wind is a great, clean source of energy, but the differences in wind pressure and temperature in an area can cause uneven solar heating across the Earth. Some areas have greater wind speed than others, which can also create an uneven distribution of solar energy. Although, the most common way to collect wind energy into a usable form is wind turbines. These are very popular in some cities and states because they help gather the kinetic energy from wind. The turbines convert the energy into electricity using a generator. "Wind flows over the blades of a turbine creating lift, which causes the blades to turn. The blades are connected to a drive shaft that turns an electric generator, which produces electricity" (Mutiti, 2018). Wind turbines are becoming more popular throughout the world, especially since they do not emit any greenhouse gases that pollute the air or water. 

Resources

Mutiti, S., Mutiti, C., Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D. (2018). Introduction tp environmental science (3rd ed.). Biological Science Open Textbooks. University System of Georgia