CHAPTER 5
Windmills work by harnessing the energy of wind. They take the kinetic energy produced by the wind's motion and turn it into other types of energy. Most of that new energy form is electricity. Windmill energy gains increasing attention as more people look for ways to protect the environment by using green energy sources. Windmill energy is green because it does not consume its energy source, the wind. Also, the process of harnessing wind energy does not produce harmful by products that pollute the environment. The basic functions of a windmill is a rotor, generator, shaft, and blades. A windmill is an engine powered by the wind to produce energy, often contained in a large building as in traditional post mills, smock mills and tower mills. The energy windmills produce can be used in many ways, traditionally for grinding grain or spices, pumping water, sawing wood or hammering seeds. Modern wind power machines are used for generating electricity and are more properly called wind turbines. Most modern wind turbines have three blades, and operate facing the wind. Tall towers reach for constant, strong airflow. The wind turns the blades. which spins a shaft , which connects to a generator and makes electricity. The blades are controlled so they always spin at the same rate. Big, efficient turbines can generate up to 3.6 megawatts each. One megawatt is enough to provide power to about 300 or more homes. In New England, all energy plants feed into one regional power grid, and each of us takes our power from that communal source.