Lesson 5B - Wind Energy Generation

Wind Energy is...

•  Energy that comes from harnessing the movement of the air

• Ultimately derived from the sun because it is the cause for moving fluids on the planet.

• A source of renewable energy, such as solar, wind, or geothermal energy

• Not sufficient in all areas of the planet so as to be practicable

Answer explanation

Wind Energy is energy that comes from harnessing the movement of the air, ultimately derived from the sun, making it a source of renewable energy like solar and geothermal energy.

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With wind-electric turbines, electric energy is turned into rotational energy.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is false because with wind-electric turbines, rotational energy is turned into electric energy, not the other way around.

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What is the force that occurs when an abject is moving in-line with the fluid?

• Thrust force

• Lift force

• Drag force

• Gravitational force

Answer explanation

When an object is moving in-line with the fluid, the force that occurs is known as drag force, which acts opposite to the direction of motion.

What is the force that propels an object upward, or at a right angle to the direction of the air stream?

• Thrust force

• Drag force

• Lift force

• Gravitational force

Answer explanation

The force that propels an object upward, or at a right angle to the direction of the air stream is the Lift force.

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NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Why are turbine blades placed at certain distance in front of the tower in horizontal axis wind turbines?

• To prevent energy loss by the drag force

• To prevent the blades from hitting the ground

• To prevent the blades from being pushed into the tower

• To prevent the blades from falling off

Answer explanation

Turbine blades are placed in front of the tower to prevent them from being pushed into the tower, ensuring safe operation.

Tags

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What is one advantage of a vertical axis wind turbine over a horizontal axis wind turbine?

• It can harness winds from every direction without the need to reposition the blades or hub.

• The blades are closer to the ground where the wind speed is higher.

• They are capable fo generating more power per turbine.

• The mechanical components are high off the ground so they don't have to be serviced periodically.

Answer explanation

A vertical axis wind turbine can harness winds from every direction without the need to reposition the blades or hub, giving it an advantage over a horizontal axis wind turbine.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

Which part of a horizontal axis wind turbine is responsible for generating a lift force that rotates the main shaft?

• blade

• yawl motor

• generator

• gear box

Answer explanation

The blade of a horizontal axis wind turbine is responsible for generating a lift force that rotates the main shaft.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-1

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Which part of a horizontal axis wind turbine is responsible for increasing the rotational speed of the secondary shaft in order to generate sufficient electric current in the generator?

• yaw drive

• anemometer

• generator

• gear box

Answer explanation

The gear box is responsible for increasing the rotational speed of the secondary shaft to generate sufficient electric current in the generator.

Which part of a horizontal axis wind turbine is NOT involved in ensuring that the rotor turns at the most optimal rate based on the wind for the generation of electricity?

• yaw drive and yaw motor

• anemometer

• pitch motor for blade angle adjustment

• generator

Answer explanation

The generator is not directly involved in ensuring the rotor turns optimally based on wind; it converts mechanical energy to electricity.

It is an advantage to place wind turbines close to each other when planing a wind farm to maximize the power available for wind machines downstream.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Placing wind turbines close to each other can lead to turbulence and reduce efficiency, so it is false that it is an advantage to do so.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

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