Energy from Wind (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Physics): Revision Note

Wind Power

Wind Electricity Generators

• Energy is harnessed from wind electricity generators from wind turbines

• Wind generators can be principally horizontally or vertically aligned

  • The majority of modern designs use horizontally aligned designs

The two main designs of wind generators: horizontal and vertical alignment

• The approximate efficiency of wind generators is approximately 30% 

  • Energy is lost to aerodynamic limits, losses transferring the electricity to the grid and friction within the system

• Wind turbines are regularly placed in coastal areas, with windy conditions to generate electricity

  • A group of wind turbines creates a wind farm

  • These are used to power nearby towns and cities

Wind turbines

Wind farms can be harmful to wildlife, which may mean they shouldn't be built in certain areas

Advantages & Disadvantages of Wind Power

• Advantages of using wind-powered generators include:

  • Clean (non-polluting) energy generation (no greenhouse gases / pollution)

  • Freely available

  • Is always sustainable and will never run out

• Disadvantages of using wind-powered generators include:

  • Not consistent energy production (only when it is windy)

  • Needs favourable local conditions to be placed in windy locations i.e. on the coast so cannot be in a city

  • Can be visually unappealing

  • Can harm some wildlife (e.g. birds)