Wind Energy

Wind energy is pretty Geek-erific! This is another abundant alternative resource. When there is no sun for solar power that is when this comes into play! It's caused by the uneven heating (the air above land heats faster than air above water) of the Earth's surface and atmosphere by the sun. As the warm air rises and expands above land, the cool air above the water will fill in that gap - that force of rushing air is wind!

Harnessing this power and turning it into electricity is done by wind turbines. Near the equator the air heats and cools at a faster rate, so choosing the right turbines for each part of the world is important. There are different kinds of turbines - from those that rotate on a horizontal axis to those that rotate on a vertical axis and each of those have their own subtypes. As of now, this technology can be expensive, especially for enthusiasts, but there are ways to build your own to fit your house and work best for your area.

I'm geeking out! This is a clean, renewable energy resource that will be around for as long as the sun keeps smiling down on our little planet Earth. Since we have over 5 billion years before the sun enters its Red Giant phase, it is safe to say we have a relatively long time to keep developing better, more efficient, and cheaper technology.

But wait! There's more! Also be sure to check out Ionic Wind, also known as ion wind or coronal wind. It will blow your mind! (Get it? As in wind?)

Other Resources From Friends of The Geek:

Wind Power Controversy - Wind energy use can stir up emotions resulting in a wind power controversy for some.

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