1. Manufacturing Engineering Introduction to Wind Energy Applications Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.

2. Take out a sheet of paper and answer the following. Identify three advantages of having a wind energy electrical system when living in a rural environment. Identify two reasons why wind energy is better for our environment than coal powered energy. 2 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Bell Work Activity

3. 1. Identify important terms on wind energy. 2. Complete the Introduction to Wind Energy Applications Terms and Definitions handout. 3. Work in groups of two. 3 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Warm-Up Activity Introduction to Wind Energy Applications Terms and Definitions

4. Since early civilization, sailors have harnessed wind to be used as an energy source to power sailboats and ships. Wind energy has been used effectively since that time to power windmills that grind grain and pump water. 4 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Overview

5. Wind energy can be inconsistent and unpredictable. Engineers and inventors have not developed the ability to control wind as well as they have for steam and electricity. By studying wind and weather, researchers have identified consistent wind patterns for use with wind turbine systems. 5 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Overview (cont’d.

6. Wind is an abundant and inexpensive energy source. Using wind energy today does not affect future energy supplies. Generating wind energy does not pollute the environment like coal or nuclear energy. Thousands of jobs are created with the growth of wind energy technology. 6 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Advantages of Wind Energy

7. Wind Energy System Applications Boat sails capture wind to propel a boat in any direction. A windmill’s bladed wheels harness the wind to turn water pumps and to grind grain. Wind turbine blades capture the wind and provide the force that turns generators for electrical power. Multiple wind turbines are placed in the same location to generate electric power and to create wind farms. 7 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.

8. Wind Energy System Applications Commercial Usage Companies using modern technology create efficient wind energy systems. These systems are used for commercial and residential applications. Independent power systems with wind-driven water pumping systems are used in farming and in remote residential areas. 8 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.

9. Wind Energy System Applications Commercial Usage (cont’d.) Wind turbine systems placed offshore generate higher power than those placed onshore (land based). Wind turbine producers manufacture turbines with up to 4 megawatt capacity. Some companies specialize in designing wind turbines for low wind speed locations. 9 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.