Wind Energy Projects Article
Alternative Energy: Wind Power
Have you considered the power of wind? It does no harm the environment and is a powerful source of energy, gaining popularity daily as other sources of fuel pollute the environment and fuel prices are ridiculously high. When you think of wind power you think of windmills, but it can also be used as electricity. Other countries in Europe have begun using the power.
Wind power can be changed into electricity with the use of turbines. The blades turn, an electrical current occurs which is powered by a generator. About 2% of the sun energy that hits the earth is changed into wind energy. The origin and use of it is complex and there are continuous variable that affect it’s efficiency and usage.
The energy of wind is used as a generator. The wind turbines are grouped together and are called wind farms. These are located across the country primarily in California. The largest one has 200 turbines and outputs approximately 300 mega watts of electricity. Other countries in Europe have been using wind power successfully. Denmark and Germany are the world leaders in the use of wind power.
The location of wind energy is important to reap the most benefits. Ideally they should be placed as high as possible for instance on mountains, they need to be placed within close proximity of each other and the speed of wind matters. It is best to experiment with these variables to achieve the most energy efficiently.
There are points to consider since they tend to be noisy and scare away wild life. Another is cost, as they are expensive to make and to place.
Wind energy is becoming a viable means of energy and it is becoming more widely used. To increase the viability and cost effectiveness of wind energy scientists are recommending storing the energy.
This can be done by raising the amount of energy and storing the extra amounts in a surplus. The use of it would fluctuate because it would only be used as needed. A comparison would need to be made between the cost to install the units, as well as storing them and testing the effectiveness. Wind energy can be stored with flywheel storage and energy that is hydro electric.
Scientists are just beginning to explore wide spread usage in the United States, Other countries that are ahead of us in the usage of wind power are Spain, Canada, China, Brazil and the United Kingdom. Denmark actually manufactures their own turbines. They are currently generating over 20% of their power through wind. The United States has a long way to go before we can say that we are using wind power efficiently. Hopefully, it will be soon.
