reliable energy source. Windmill usage decreased
when fossil fuels that offered more convenience became
available.
Today, the windmill is back in use, but it is mainly
used to generate electricity. A way to harness this free
energy produced by the wind is by a wind turbine.
Today, most windmills are referred to as wind turbines. A
wind turbine has two different designs. See Figure 5-16.
In both designs, the wind drives a propeller, or turbine,
connected to a generator. The wind makes the turbine
turn the generator, which produces electricity.
Proponents of wind as an energy source view it as an
environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
Generally, wind speeds in excess of 11 mph are necessary
for any type of wind turbine connected to the power
grid. Large-scale wind generators, such as those found on
wind farms, require wind speeds of at least 13 mph, as
determined by a wind velocity profile, which character-
izes the number of expected hours of a given wind speed
for a particular location. This limits the potential for
wind farming in some areas of the country, but wind
energy is contributing to overall generating capacity of
more than half the states in America. Other countries are
tapping the potential of the wind at a faster growth rate
than here in the United States.
Chapter 5
Figure 5-15. Windmills were fixtures
on farms for many years, primarily
providing energy to pump water.
Much less efficient than today’s wind
generators, they were almost totally
replaced by fossil fuel power sources
during the second half of the twen-
tieth century.
112
Meteorologists
The function of meteorologists is to give accurate
predictions of the weather. The aviation industry
depends extensively on weather reporting. Air traffic controllers and pilots need to be kept
aware of changing weather patterns for the safety of all passengers. Meteorologists’ predic-
tions are typically broadcast on television or radio stations for public use and interest. In
order to provide up-to-date information, meteorologists analyze reports from specialized
equipment. Using the technology of radio detecting and ranging (radar) and satellites,
meteorologists can forecast both short- and long-term climate activity.
Knowledge of physics, geography, and math is essential for a meteorologist. Also impor-
tant are communication skills, particularly the ability to speak clearly. Meteorologists
frequently collect data useful in energy, power, and transportation. For instance, average
wind speed charts can indicate which locations would be most favorable for a power
company to consider using for wind power generation. Rain patterns can be used to help
predict generating capacity for hydro plants, and accurate weather information is essential
to most of the transportation industry. A bachelor ’s degree is required to be a worker in this
field. The yearly salary may range from $35,000 to $73,000.