Wind Energy
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How will we make wind energy more effective?
Wind is a form of solar energy. Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, the irregularities of the earth's surface, and rotation of the earth. Wind flow patterns are modified by the earth's terrain, bodies of water, and vegetation. Humans use this wind flow, or motion energy, for many purposes: sailing, flying a kite, and even generating electricity.
The terms wind energy or wind power describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity.
So how do wind turbines make electricity? Simply stated, a wind turbine works the opposite of a fan. Instead of using electricity to make wind, like a fan, wind turbines use wind to make electricity. The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity. Take a look inside a wind turbine to see the various parts. View the wind turbine animation to see how a wind turbine works.
First we need to understand what makes (or causes) wind. It is actually a form of solar energy. When the sun heats the atmosphere on the earth, sometimes it's heated unevenly. That uneven heating, along with the variations of the earth's surface and the earth's rotate all play a part in creating wind. Once wind is created, it is affected several factors affect how the wind flows (wind flow patterns). These include the different bodies of water (oceans, lakes, etc.), earth's vegetation (plant life) and diverse terrain (mountains and valleys).
Now that we know what creates wind, what makes it energy? Well, wind energy is actually the process that traps the wind and uses it to make electricity or power machinery. This is commonly achieved by using a wind turbine (tûr'bĭn, -bīn').
Ok. So, what's a wind turbine? If you've seen a traditional picture of Holland, what comes to mind? A windmill, right? Well, the wind turbine is today's equivalent of a windmill and much more advanced.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Wind Energy
Pros
Renewable with no CO2 emissions
lease payments to landowners (when the power generated is sold)
creation of a domestic source of fuel
no external costs such as environmental degradation
reduced Pollution – only Pollution generated is in the manufacturing process and by the heavy machinery used to build the turbines
reduced use of natural resources (non-renewable: gas, oil, coal)
Cons (factual or myth)
Not all land is suitable for wind turbines. How do you know if your land will harness enough wind to produce sufficient electricity?
Requires land and enough for setbacks (room to co-exist with the turbine/s).
Turbines are visual Pollution to some people (i.e., ugly).
Some birds have been killed in the use of wind turbines. Compared with the thousands of deaths each year of birds being smashed against a building or moving vehicle, the deaths are extremely low in comparison.
Wind towers have a continuous audible drone – too noisy. Newer technology has decreased the noise levels.
Natural resources are cheaper. It may seem this way mainly because they have substantial subsidies to artificially deflate costs. With wind power, the burden is on the individual or company without help from the government. The cost to the earth and our environment in accessing natural resources is very expensive.
- It is another very good source for the future. It's clean. No air Pollution - although some might consider rows of large turbines "visual" Pollution. A solution to the visual problem would be to limit the use to certain areas/states. Landowners get compensation for use of their land.
- The state of Montana will have enough wind power to provide for the entire United States.
- Other Pollution emissions, zero.
- States that have steady strong winds would be good candidates for this energy source. (Texas, Montana, North and South Dakota)
- Potential for becoming a major future energy source - very likely, with help from the government and willing investors.
U.S. Annual Wind Power Resource and Wind Power Classes -
Contiguous U.S. States.
U.S. Annual Wind Power Resource and Wind Power Classes - Alaska and Hawaii.
Source : U.S. Department of Energy
