How does wind energy get to you?
Like I know you would have to have a mill in your yard but how does it get to the house?
Wind energy drives the blades of the windmill, and makes them turn. The blade axis is connected through gears to a generator, which is comething like an electric motor. Alternating electric voltage is produced by the generator as the blades turn. This electricity can be plugged into right away, but usually it goes through an electric device to either (1) charge a bank of batteries if this is a standalone system (so there can be power when the wind is not blowing), or (2) connect to the "grid" of a local power company. The "meter" then runs backwards when excess power is being generated, and the power is "sold" back to the power company, to be delivered back later when needed. In either case, the power gets to the house through wires.
You might find this article in today's New York Times interesting. It deals with just that subject, and has some pictures.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/13/garden/13wind.html
Wind energy is typically harnessed through wind turbines, which are often located in large wind farms where the wind is consistent and strong. These turbines have blades that capture the kinetic energy of the wind and convert it into mechanical energy. From there, the mechanical energy is transformed into electrical energy through a generator inside the turbine.
Now, let's explain how the wind energy produced at a wind farm gets to your house:
1. Transmission: The electricity generated by the wind turbines is first transmitted to a nearby substation. This is done through an extensive network of power lines, often referred to as transmission lines or power grids.
2. Step-up Transformers: At the substation, the voltage of the electricity is stepped up using transformers. This is done to minimize energy losses during the long-distance transmission.
3. Long-Distance Transmission: The high-voltage electricity is then transmitted over long distances through high-voltage power lines. These power lines can span thousands of miles.
4. Distribution Substation: The electricity arrives at another substation close to your local area. Here, the voltage is stepped down to a lower level suitable for distribution to individual homes and businesses.
5. Distribution Lines: The electricity is then distributed through a network of distribution lines that run above or underground, connecting homes and businesses in your local area.
6. Utility Meter: Before the electricity reaches your house, it passes through a utility meter, which measures the amount of electricity you consume.
7. Your Home: Finally, the electricity enters your home through the main electrical panel, where it is distributed to various circuits and outlets. It powers your lights, appliances, and other electrical devices.
It's important to note that wind energy, along with other sources of electricity, gets mixed together in the power grid. So, while you may not have a wind turbine in your yard, the electricity you use can come from a combination of sources, including wind energy generated elsewhere.