Wind arises from pressure differences in the atmosphere. The greater the difference in pressure, the more powerful the wind can be. There are various types of wind:
Local wind
Local weather systems are often caused by uneven heating of the Earth’s surface by the sun. Areas subject to local wind systems are ideal locations for wind turbines. When planning wind farms, a lot of work is done to find precisely the places where the wind is most optimal. However, places where strong wind gusts can damage the turbines are avoided.
Extratropical low pressure systems
Wind power is not only generated in areas with local wind systems. Most wind turbines are located in what is known as the westerlies: The broad zones north and south of the tropics where the wind is usually blowing west. This is where large passing lows and storms (extratropical cyclones) determine wind and weather conditions.
Trade winds and monsoons
Tropical and subtropical wind systems dominate the area near the equator. Also known as trade winds and monsoons, these winds blow across the sea from the subtropical high-pressure areas located around 30 degrees latitude north and south of the equator. The Earth’s rotation deflects the winds to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere.
Shape of the landscape
The shape of the landscape has a significant effect on the strength and stability of the wind. When installing wind turbines, it is best if the wind can blow freely across the turbines from all directions. This is why turbines should ideally be installed away from cities. Offshore turbines produce the most energy. At sea, there are other challenges to take into account. For example, the costs of installation are typically higher than for onshore turbines.
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Discover the unique power of the wind – the full story (pdf)