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For several hundred years people have used wind for an energy source. From the windmills that can still be seen in Holland to the American farmlands, the wind has been utilized to help grind the grain or to pump water. Wind energy is not a new idea! It is just getting more attention today due to our energy crisis. Today there are wind turbines to change the wind’s energy into useable electricity.

What you’ll find today is that the wind turbines are attached to the tower. The reason for this is it accumulates the proper amount of wind energy. However, you have to have the right height, which in this case it has to be a 100 feet minimum. In order to get the maximum power, the turbines need to get a hold of the fastest winds up there.

Turbines with their blades that are similar to propellers catch the energy from the wind. There are normally about 2 to 3 blades attached to a shaft which in turns forms what is a called a rotor. The blades turning in the wind create lift and drag. Drag happens when the wind hits the front of the blade. Lift happens as a wind pocket occurs on the backside of the blade. By combing the two forces it makes the rotor turn similar to an airplane propeller. And the shaft is turning a generator and this is what creates electricity.

While most of the versions you see are large, they can also be used in smaller scales. Whether it’s just to pump water, or lower power bills, all the farmers, ranchers, and homeowners out there take advantage of them. If not, they should.

Now, if you need a larger application, then more than one turbine will need to be utilized. Normally these are just combined with solar power applications. You often see these as part of a utility grid power system or working together in a wind plant somewhere. While this may sound like a far way off, many power companies today are purchasing excess energy from their customers that use wind energy. So not only will they save money, but you will as well.

With all the fossil fuels being depleted today, all of us need to look for alternative power sources to use. Wind energy and solar energy are the top two alternatives today. These can even work together to provide power for businesses and homes.

Keep in mind this is a renewable resource, and actually helps the environment. Since there is a huge issue with energy today, we need as many people as possible to use this type of energy. While it will be a monumental task, it all starts with one person. When the word spreads, then the domino effect begins.

So do you what you can and think about your family’s future. If that means using wind energy to cut cost on bills and help the environment, then so be it. Twenty years from now you’ll want to know your children aren’t being hurt by the same issues we’re experiencing today.