CHAPTER I - THE WIND

Abstract

Publisher Summary Wind is defined by its direction and speed. Theoretically, the wind blows from high-pressure zones to low-pressure ones. However, the direction of the wind is determined by the direction from which it blows. If the air current blows from the west, it is called westerly wind. The wind speed is measured by anemometers. They can be divided into three main classes: (1) rotational anemometers, (2) pressure anemometers, and (3) hot wire anemometers. International scale divides wind speeds into 17 strengths or forces. The wind speed is higher in winter than in summer. This is a favourable factor because energy needs are greater during the winter. Thus, the energy produced monthly in winter is at least two or three times greater than in summer. The wind characteristics records show that wind direction and speed are constantly varying. In a very short interval of time, such as one second, the velocity may change from one to two and the direction may be considerably modified.