Home > Learning Center > Wind Energy

Wind Energy

Wind energy has been used for at least 5,000 years to propel boats and ships and even for natural ventilation on buildings.   As the United States developed in the early 1700’s it strived off the use of water pumping windmills which allowed individuals in rural, dry, areas to continue to farm.  Wind pumps also contributed to the development of the rail roads because they pumped water into the steam locomotives.  Generators powered by wind were also used to power isolated towns and farms. Modern wind power industries began in 1979 with production of turbines that captured enough energy per hour to power entire towns. 

The strength of wind varies depending on location, pressure and weather so the amount of wind energy that is produced varies.  Because more power is generated with higher wind speed much energy coming from wind driven devices comes in short bursts. There are currently many problems that this creates for wind power because it cannot be constantly relied upon to provide power.  To make it constant will require extending various technologies and methods to change the style of the absorption.  Currently, wind power is unable to be stored so it must be used as it is created.  

However complicated it may be to make wind energy completely reliable, it will prove to be effective in restoring our environment.  It has extremely low environmental effects.  Wind power uses no fuel, it is natural, clean, produces no emissions and can be widely distributed.   The cost of building a wind powered energy plant is equal to that of a fuel powered plant and it will omit hundreds of thousands more watts an hour.  Danger to birds, and bats, have become concerns in some locations however when compared to deaths of bird, and bats, who die due to modern electrical techniques it is extremely low.  Another issue with wind power is that mills and turbines are not aesthetically pleasing.  Because the mills and turbines are typically large they can block views and create an awkward appearance.  In addition the last disadvantage is noise, turbines tend to be very loud and distracting in residential areas. 

 

Solar Energy | Renewable Energy | Learning Center | Site Map | Links | Contact | Home

Copyright © 2009