How Wind Turbine Power Is Used?

Home » Alternative Sources of Energy » Wind Energy Systems

How Wind Turbine Power Is Used?

28
Oct

Energy produced by wind power is a renewable alternative energy source that is environmentally friendly and an alternative to non-renewable and environmentally hazardous fossil fuels. Using wind power has both advantages and disadvantages. People have had the ability to harness the power of the wind for hundreds of years, but newer technology can make it much more efficient. One of the biggest problems with wind energy is that it cannot be created on demand. The wind blows off and on. If it is not blowing, then energy is not being produced. Storing wind energy is also very difficult and can be expensive.

Wind power is turned into energy with the help of wind turbines. These machines have at least two very aerodynamic blades. When the wind blows, these blades spin quickly, creating the energy needed for the process that creates electricity. Wind turbines can capture between 5 and 45 percent of the wind's energy, and wind farms can be very effective in supplying power needs as long as the wind continues to blow. If the wind stops, however, energy production ceases as well. This is one reason that wind power is not more widely used.

Wind turbines must be carefully located, particularly in areas that get a significant amount of high wind activity. These areas are normally remote, so transferring the captured energy may mean installing miles and miles of electric lines, which can be very labor intensive and costly. Depending on where they are installed, wind farms have the potential to supply a large amount of energy, but the initial cost to buy the equipment can get expensive very quickly.

Because wind power is random, it is not a preferred primary alternative energy source compared to fossil fuels. However, if this technology is used in combination with other alternative energy methods, like biomass energy and solar energy, it could greatly cut down or even completely eliminate dependence on fossil fuels.

Wind energy, just like other alternative energy solutions, can play an important part in creating energy that is environmentally friendly and produces no harmful carbon emissions like burning fossil fuels. A problem arises with it's time to store the energy, however, such as when a lower demand occurs. Batteries to store the excess electricity are a very cost-prohibitive solution because of the sheer size that would be needed for the amount produced and the high expense involved. Research has been conducted into alternative storage methods that may be effective, but for right now, wind power must be supplemented for times that the wind dies down or more energy is needed than the wind turbines can create. This does not mean that wind turbines do not have a place in a green energy program; it's just that right now, relying solely on wind power as an energy source is simply not feasible; though if you own a home and you live in an area that gets a high amount of wind activity, you could save money on electric bills by installing some wind turbines.

Wind power can produce large amounts of energy when the wind is strong. At these times, there may be enough energy generated to power your home and all your other electric needs. If you generate enough wind power, utility companies may buy it from you. With the cost to purchase the initial equipment, however, it does not make sense financially to put up wind turbines except in areas that see high wind activity.

Wind can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels for energy needs, but the technology needs to be further developed concerning the storage of this energy before wind power can be used as a primary energy source.

Posted in Wind Energy Systems, Expert Advice | Comments (7)

Leave a Reply:

7 Responses to “How Wind Turbine Power Is Used?”

1
breezy_babe Says:

It only captures between 5 and 45 percent of the wind's energy? It almost doesn't seem worth it to build these windmill farms.
February 2, 2009 at 17:56 pm
2
BK Says:

I hoped there were more trees and jungles, instead of wind farms and solar panels. To fight global warming, we need more trees. Unfortunately, most people are ignoring this fact, just look at the picture in the current website.
February 9, 2009 at 13:38 pm
3
Science fair looney Says:

Umm.... my project is how to make wind into power. i just need you to answer 1 thing....... How can it work? how does it absorb the power?
February 10, 2009 at 19:54 pm
4
Russ Says:

Good article. Geez some of those things are massive!
February 11, 2009 at 21:59 pm
5
joofy Says:

well how much fossil fuel does it use??? I'd rather trees anyway!!!
February 19, 2009 at 03:37 pm
6
Shri Says:

ummmm.................. well its okay but that's not what i was looking for, i was looking for how does it store the energy, and what is it used for, e.g heating water or something and because I'm sooo smart i found out my self.... 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. This aerial view of a wind power plant shows how a group of wind turbines can make electricity for the utility grid. The electricity is sent through transmission and distribution lines to homes, businesses, schools, and so on. and i prob helped "science fair (cough) looney"
October 27, 2009 at 03:03 pm
7
Shri Says:

thanks you helped me a lot!!
October 27, 2009 at 03:10 pm