The Wind

1. WIND

Wind energy is the energy obtained from the wind, that is, the kinetic energy generated by the effect of air currents, and which is transformed into other forms useful for human activities.
The wind is fundamentally a consequence of the solar radiation that hits the Earth. By unevenly heating the surface and air masses that surround the planet as a function of latitude, pressure differences are formed that the air flow tends to equalize.
Only 2% of the solar energy that reaches the Earth is converted into wind energy and we can only take advantage of a small part of it, even so, the wind potential is considered to be about twenty times the current world energy consumption.

the atmosphere

The atmosphere is the gaseous layer that surrounds the Earth. It is made up of a mixture of gases, called air, and also contains solid and liquid particles in suspension in varying amount and composition.
Conventionally, the atmosphere is divided vertically into different layers depending on how the air temperature gradient varies.

the wind

The sun's rays cover a larger area at the poles than at the equator, which makes the temperature in the equatorial zone higher. The hot air rises, being less dense, from the equator and floats towards the poles. The rotation of the Earth also influences the directions of these winds.

During the day, the air masses over the oceans, seas, and lakes remain cold relative to neighboring areas above the land masses.
The continents absorb less sunlight, therefore the air above the earth expands, thus becoming lighter and rising. The coldest and heaviest air coming from the seas, oceans and great lakes is set in motion to take the place left by the hot air

wind types

global winds

local winds, due to water mass

local winds, valley and mountain

wind maps

By measuring the average wind data over a significant period of time, we can draw wind maps, at a general level, or much more detailed for a specific area.

wind measurement

In addition to measuring the speed, data collection of wind directions are made in order to obtain the dominant direction during the measurement intervals.

The data collection must be carried out at a minimum height from the ground so that the air flow is not disturbed by the effect of the ground. Measurement heights are usually 10, 20, 40, 60, up to 200 meter and there should be no obstacles nearby.

The measurement campaigns last, at least, one year and seasonal winds, daily variations depending on local winds and also sudden variations or gusts are analyzed.

wind power rose

Depending on the data obtained, we obtain the available wind potential or wind power. This power depends on the speed and density of the air and the area of the shovel that we install.
In practice, technical limitations allow us to take advantage of only 40% of the available wind power.