Transcript:

A wind turbine is a rotating machine that converts energy from the wind into mechanical energy. If the mechanical energy is used directly by machinery, such as for pumping water, cutting wood or grinding flour, the machine is called a windmill. If the mechanical energy is instead converted to electricity, the machine may be called a wind turbine generator.

The wind turbine's blades are moved by the wind. The blades are connected to a generator, which makes electricity using electromagnets - moving wire near a magnet to direct the flow of electricity. It’s similar to how a pump pushes water through a pipe.

When the generator creates electricity, the electricity is combined with any other wind turbines that may be in the same wind farm. This combined electricity may be used locally, or adjusted to match the electricity in the power grid and sent to the power grid.

Although wind turbines are a renewable source of energy and don't pollute the environment as a result of generating power, they have an environmental impact. Some people think that wind turbines create a lot of noise and look unappealing. However, wind turbines are placed no closer than 300 meters from residential homes. At that distance, a wind turbine is no louder than an average household air conditioner.

Vocabulary:

rotate - verb plant or grow in a fixed cyclic order of succession; perform a job or duty on a rotating basis; cause to turn on an axis or center; exchange on a regular basis; turn on or around an axis or a center; turn outward

convert - verb change in nature, purpose, or function; undergo a chemical change; change the nature, purpose, or function of something; change from one system to another or to a new plan or policy.

mechanical - adj. using (or as if using) mechanisms or tools or devices; relating to or governed by or in accordance with mechanics; relating to or concerned with machinery or tools

machinery - noun machines or machine systems collectively; a system of means and activities whereby a social institution functions

turbine - noun rotary engine in which the kinetic energy of a moving fluid is converted into mechanical energy by causing a bladed rotor to rotate

blade - noun the flat part of a tool or weapon that (usually) has a cutting edge; flat surface that rotates and pushes against air or water.

generator - noun engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction; an apparatus that produces a vapor or gas; an electronic device for producing a signal voltage; someone who originates or causes or initiates something

electromagnet - noun a temporary magnet made by coiling wire around an iron core; when current flows in the coil the iron becomes a magnet

magnet - noun (physics) a device that attracts iron and produces a magnetic field; a characteristic that provides pleasure and attracts

combine - verb add together from different sources; join for a common purpose or in a common action; put or add together; mix together different elements; gather in a mass, sum, or whole; combine so as to form a whole; mix; have or possess in combination

renewable - adj. capable of being renewed; replaceable; that can be renewed or extended

pollute - verb make impure

impact - noun the striking of one body against another; a forceful consequence; a strong effect; influencing strongly; the violent interaction of individuals or groups entering into combat; verb press or wedge together; pack together; have an effect upon

unappealing - adj. not able to attract favorable attention; (of characters in literature or drama) tending to evoke antipathetic feelings

residential - adj. used or designed for residence or limited to residences; of or relating to or connected with residence