What it is/extraction
Finish the sentence: Wind Power is...
A) the process of generating water by harnessing energy from the wind
B) the process of generating electricity by harnessing energy from the wind
C) the process of gathering wind to then use in agriculture
B) the process of generating electricity by harnessing energy from the wind
What part of a wind turbine captures the wind’s energy and starts spinning?
The blades
Wind energy is considered a renewable resource because it does not produce what harmful environmental byproduct?
Greenhouse gases
What is one reason wind power may not always be cost-effective?
Low wind speeds in certain areas
How tall are the average wind turbine towers?
A) About 320 feet
B) About 105 feet
C) About 57 feet
D) About 200 feet
A) About 320 feet
What is the main component of a wind turbine that converts wind energy into mechanical energy?
A)The supports
B) the blades
C) The height
D) the width
What type of energy transformation occurs when wind turbines generate electricity?
A) Kinetic energy to mechanical energy to electrical energy
B) Electrical energy to mechanical energy to kinetic energy
C) Mechanical energy to kinetic energy to electrical energy
D) Electrical energy to kinetic energy to mechanical energy
A) Kinetic energy to mechanical energy to electrical energy
How much has the U.S. wind industry invested in the last 20 years?
A) $150 billlion
B) $330 Billion
C) $240 Billion
B) $330 Billion
Why can the location of wind farms be a challenge for electricity distribution?
They are often built far from cities, requiring costly transmission infrastructure
Which country has the second most installed wind energy capacity in the world?
The United States
Where are wind turbines typically placed to generate maximum energy?
(there are two possible answers)
Open fields and coastal areas
What device inside a wind turbine increases the rotational speed to about 1,500 RPM for efficient electricity generation?
A) Statiometer
B) Navigator
C) Gearbox
D) Wheel
C) Gearbox
True or false: wind energy supports over 300,000 jobs in the United States
True, U.S. wind energy industry supports over 300,000 jobs and that number is growing!!
What are two common concerns communities have about wind turbines?
Noise pollution
Changes to landscape
Impact on Wildlife (especially Birds and Bats)
Interference with Radio and TV Signals
and more!
True or false: What percentage of U.S. electricity is generated by wind power?10.8%?
False, only 10.1 % based on the information available to us, but maybe that number will become greater!
What is the main method by which wind turbines convert mechanical energy into electricity?
The generator
Name three places where wind energy is used and (for extra points) explain their applications.
Residential areas, commercial/industrial facilities, and agricultural operations
Explanation:
Residential areas: Homeowners use small wind turbines to help power their homes and can send extra electricity back to the grid for later use.
Commercial and industrial facilities: Large wind turbines supply power to factories, offices, and data centers, lowering costs and reducing the need for fossil fuels.
Agricultural operations: Farms use wind energy to run irrigation systems, barns, and processing equipment, making them more self-sufficient and eco-friendly.
In how many U.S. states does wind power provide a quarter of the electricity?
Hint: less than 10
8 states
How do wind farms impact wildlife? (+ or -)
They can they harm birds and bats
Why can wind energy be generated at any time of day or night?
Wind doesn’t rely on sunlight
How does the wind energy captured by turbines get transmitted to homes and businesses?
(hint: its used for all different types of energy)
transmission and distribution lines
Name two ways wind energy is used in the agricultural industry.
Powering irrigation systems
Processing facilities (running barns) (food processing, grid power)
Running barn equipment (heating, cooling)
Pumping water for livestock
How much CO2 does wind energy help avoid annually in the U.S.?
A) 251 million metric tons
B) 307 million metric tons
C) 207 million metric tons
D) 351 million metric tons
D) 351 million metric tons
Why does wind power still have some environmental impact despite producing no direct emissions?
The manufacturing and transportation of turbines contribute to carbon emissions
Which former U.S. president's actions delayed the offshore wind projects crucial to the Ravenswood conversion?
Hint: its a recent president (post 2000)
Donald Trump