Should We Harvest A Natural Resource: Wind Power?
Should We Harvest A Natural Resource: Wind Power?
In todays economy, with increasing use of electricity and natural resources, the possibility of a low-cost, inexhaustible and dependable energy source is seen by consumers as a breath of fresh air in a stale environment. Thats where wind energy comes in.According to the Department of Energy, contemporary wind turbines can convert winds in most U.S. states and coastal waters into certain, clean electricity. While wind today supplies only a small percentage of our national electricity demands, it is a tremendous energy resource and is the fastest-growing energy supply technology available.
There are solutions to the worlds power problems that can be simply employed and evolved to their fullest and most efficient for future use. Solar power is beginning to make excellent headway in technology and application as are other alternative renewable energy solutions. One of these choices is wind turbine energy, a source of uninterrupted clean energy that is actually making great advancement in cutting coal power demand where it is being utilized.The only negative here is the 24 hour need for wind flow.
The basics of electricity production through wind farms are pretty simple. Highly efficient wind turbines are situated in positions where they will receive the maximum amount of wind energy. Regardless, the wind turns the blades as it passes, which turns a generator within the turbine. The turning motion converts the wind energy into electricity when the generator cranks, and this power is then fed into a utility company power grid .
A wind turbine used for making electrical energy is not all that difficult a thing to handle. It is very much like the water wheels that past generations used to grind their grain to produce flour. The only difference is that instead of using water to turn the water wheel wind is used. The wind makes the blades of the wheel turn which; with the help of some gears, magnets and resistance creates electricity. As the speed of the wind turning the turbines increases the amount of power the turbine produces increases as well. Unfortunately, at the moment the energy generated from the turbine is difficult to store in batteries so there is a need for back-up systems but, for the most part, it is a fairly efficient system.
Location.
Wind energy is the fastest growing source of power of any of the inexhaustible energy sources and technologies. In areas where winds are strong, inexhaustible wind energy is a smart choice for providing power to homes and businesses. The point about not being able to store the generated energy in batteries for later use puts quite a bit of emphasis on where the wind turbines are situated. Since the energy that is generated demands to be input into the power grid and used right away, the turbines need to be based in a place where the wind is always blowing. One might think, well that shouldnt be that difficult. The turbine needs to be situated where there is a constant and steady wind most of the time, but it also demands to be based in a place where quite a few turbines can be located. The goal is to find locations where wind exists as frequently as possible.
Put in realistic terms, ideal spots are in areas where ground variation occurs as wind is produced when different surface areas heat up at different rates. As each surface heats up, the air rises and cooler air rushes in to replace it. Thus, we have wind. Given this situation, ideal positions for wind farms are often along shorelines or in valleys funneling winds from the shore.
The current issue is that one turbine generates quite a bit of energy, but not enough energy to make it economically feasible. A considerable number of turbines need to be in place to make this happen. There are many places around the world where this is possible, but the overall concept is regional in nature. In other words, the power made in an area, stays in that area to some degree. This is not generally a bad thing since the area gets some benefit as an offset to the trouble of hosting the turbines and putting up with endless wind.Localities can derive a nice chunk of their power from the wind turbines which diminishes the need to use coal ,oil or gas power as in other places.
On an individual basis,even if you dont live in a windy area, you can still supplement your current electricity supply by employing inexhaustible wind energy. The best part is by using do-it-yourself guides; even the least skilled handymen can build their own windmills and start using inexhaustible wind energy to lower their electricity bills each month. However, if you do live in a especially windy area you can feasibly generate an abundance of electricity from renewable wind energy systems.
Smaller wind systems are being used to generate on-site power and provide additional power to local utilities, and the market is expanding at over 20 percent annually. However, wind power represents more than just competitive electricity. It offers: rural economic profits from project development; a hedge against changeable natural gas prices and planned use of imported liquid natural gas; cost-effective clean air compliance option for businesses and communities; strong future partner for other domestic power industries including coal and nuclear; and a inexhaustible option for producing hydrogen for transportation fuels.Wind energy is a homegrown energy source that can contribute to national energy security by shrinking a countries dependence on oil and natural gas-most of which are imported from other countries. In addition, unlike most other electricity sources, wind turbines dont consume water.
Construct It But Not Near Me
The unique problem of people not desiring to look up at or listen to wind turbines all day every day has become a bit of an issue. Where the issue is likely to be decided is in more urban areas where the use of wind turbines is just commencing to creep in. As vocal suburbanites hear about suggested turbine wind farms they all-of-a-sudden decide they are fine with wind power but dont want to look at multiple turbines within their sight on a mountain top, coastal shoreline or in their virtual back yard.
People may become vocal about not desiring to see or hear wind turbines on a daily basis but they need to picture that alternative power sources are here to stay. They had better think hard about their needs and how they are going to come to terms with the issue on a personal basis. Power up with solar, wind, water or nuclear because preferring a source sooner rather than later may be the best way to go.It is definitely worthwhile to learn more about inexhaustible wind energy. By building your own wind turbines you can add needed dollars to your pocket and help the environment at the same time. Inexhaustible wind energy. Free power from the wind. The future for our planet and our economy.
Noel is an experienced economist,sociologist and marketer.He has an interest in renewable and solar energy and our environment and the social and economic costs absorbed by our society to change to renewable energy.If you have similar feelings and are motivated to research the matter further then visit my blog at http://homesolarsystemguide.com
