Wind Energy

With an average annual growth rate of over 20%, wind has been the world’s fastest growing renewable energy source for more than a decade. Much of the recent growth being attributed to cost reductions and progressive government policies.

Not only are wind energy systems becoming more affordable to install, they require minimal maintenance, have low operating expenses, and are extremely reliable.

To view California wind resource maps and to find out if wind energy is a viable solution for your area, please visit the California Energy Commission.

For additional information on wind energy contact Pure Energy Systems.

How it Works

Wind turbines capture the wind's kinetic energy with two or three propeller-like blades, mounted on a rotor, to generate electricity.

The turbines sit high atop towers, taking advantage of the stronger and less turbulent wind at 100 feet (30 meters) or more above ground.

A blade acts much like an airplane wing, when the wind blows a pocket of low-pressure air forms on the downwind side of the blade. The low-pressure air pocket then pulls the blade toward it, causing the rotor to turn. This is called lift. The force of the lift is stronger than the wind's force against the front side of the blade, which is called drag.

The combination of lift and drag causes the rotor to spin like a propeller, and the turning shaft creates mechanical power. Mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity.

Benefits

Cost-Effective – Wind energy is one of the lowest-priced renewable energy technologies. It can cost between 4 and 6 cents per kilowatt-hour, depending upon wind resource and project financing.

Long Term – Wind energy relies on wind, which can't be used up. It is a renewable, abundant energy available for future generations.

Non-intrusive – When large arrays of wind turbines are installed on farmland, only about 2% of the land area is required for the wind turbines. The rest is available for farming, livestock, and other uses. 

Unlimited Potential – Wind turbines, alone or as part of a system, can power homes, businesses, and farms/ranches. It is perfect for remote applications, such as water pumping and powering telecommunications. Wind projects are currently used for schools, tribes, municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives.

Environmentally Friendly – Since it is fueled by the wind, wind energy is a clean fuel source. It is quiet and does not present any significant hazard to the environment.