Question

(a) What is wind? What type of energy is possessed by wind?
(b) Explain how, wind energy can be used to generate electricity. Illustrate your answer with the help of a labelled diagram.
(c) State two advantages of using wind energy for generating electricity.
(d) Mention two limitations of wind energy for generating electricity.

Answer 1

(a) Wind is the flow of air and is a source of energy. It possesses mechanical energy.

(b) Wind is the flow of air and possesses mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is used to rotate wind turbines, which are connected to electricity generators. See the diagram given below.


(c) The advantages of wind energy are as follows.
(1) Wind is a clean source of energy. It does not cause any pollution.
(2) It is a renewable source of energy.

(d) The limitations of wind energy are as follows.
(1) The production of energy depends on the flow of air. It varies during different times of the day and is seasonal.
(2) The initial capital cost is very high.