When humans were not familiar with modern technology, they did everything by relying on the power of their hands or the help of animals. Over time, they began to recognize the "power" of the wind to ease the work.
Initially, they made sails on the boat so that the wind could carry the boat somewhere. They study the characteristics of the wind and harness wind energy to propel boats.
Dunno when exactly it started, they finally understood that wind energy can be used to move objects other than boats. From then on, they began to think about how to grind grain using wind energy.
Then, made a turbine that is able to rotate with the help of the wind. The rotational energy is used to grind grains into flour. From here, the beginning of the technology for the use of wind energy was created.
The principle that works on wind power or wind energy is actually utilizing the power of the wind to produce electricity or carry out mechanical processes using wind energy. This technology was discovered long ago and is not a new thing today.
However, due to the urgent need for energy, people are starting to think about the use of wind energy in various areas. Today, the use of wind energy also enters the agricultural and household industries.
Uses of Wind Energy
You've studied kinetic energy, right? Yes, in junior high, you already know the definition of kinetic energy. That is, the energy that arises when an object with mass undergoes motion. Wind has kinetic energy.
With the right technology, the kinetic energy of the wind can be captured. Then, it is converted into other forms of energy, such as electrical and mechanical energy. That is the working principle of wind energy.
Windmills found in Persia, China, and Europe today use the power of the wind to pump water or grind flour. Today, the equipment is connected to a wind turbine that can produce new energy for industrial and household purposes.
Wind Energy is Pollution-Free
Wind energy may be one of the alternative energies that should be taken into account for its use on a wider scale. Unlike the energy sources that you use every day, they generally use plants or fossils to be used as fuel.
Of course, the availability of energy derived from fossils cannot be renewed so that the longer the number is running low. Not to mention, the pollutants it produces pollute the environment.
Wind energy is free of pollutants, it can even be renewed. You will never run out of wind as long as the earth is spinning and the sun is shining.
The Debate Regarding the Utilization of Wind Energy
Unfortunately, although it is free of pollutants and the amount will not run out, wind energy is still a subject of debate to this day.
The main problem that arises from the use of this energy is location. In order to obtain a large amount of wind energy, of course, the location of the windmill must be in a large and "obstruction-free" area.
While searching for this exact area, a conflict arose between the farmers and the residents of a settlement.
On average, they are not willing if their area is used to build a windmill. If this is the case, the use of wind energy for industry or households cannot be optimal.
Wind Energy Can't Be Abandoned
Energy needs are increasing while old energy sources are running low, making wind energy an irreplaceable future energy alternative. However, humans still continue to explore new energy that can be utilized in the future before fossil energy and other materials run out.
Although the heated debate continues, humans are creatures who like to innovate. Who knows one day experts will be able to utilize wind energy with technology that is acceptable to the public so that it does not spark debate.