Wind Power
A big drawback of wind energy is that generators operate at a steady speed regardless of how hard the wind is blowing. The wind power turns the blades, which in turn spin a shaft. The shaft rotates copper coils that generate electric current when they pass through a system of magnets, with the coils and magnets running at a set speed.
So if wind speeds are too low, a gearbox must use power from the turbine to spin the shaft faster, wasting power. Similarly, there are many generators that handle strong wind power, for home, industrial or even mini gadjets to power your daily use electronics.
A Vancouver, British Columbia-based start-up called ExRo has developed a technological innovation that may be the solution and revolutionize wind energy as an alternative wind power source. It has invented a variable-speed generator that fluctuates with the wind. ExRo claims the new generator can boost power output 20% to 50%, slashing electric rates. The company has devised a generator with 54 coils and magnets that work independently. If the wind is weak, only a couple of coils rotate.
The company has raised $1.5 million in seed money and is seeking $10 million next year for field trials. The company expects to team with manufacturers and start building wind power generators in 2010. Although, wind power makes up about 1% of United States alternative power sources, it has been growing by about 45% a year.
What is Wind Power?
The power obtained by the conversion of wind by wind turbines is called wind power. It may also be called a variant of solar power as in this type of power, wind comes from the sun. The sun’s heat warms the surface of the earth. The earth gets warm during the day and cool during the night. Consequently, the air above the earth also cools down or warms up at different rates. The air which is close to the earth’s surface, i.e. hot air, rises up and the cool air above takes its place. This movement of air is called wind.
A Renewable Source of Power
Wind power is renewable and clean. It is created from an inexhaustible and ever lasting source of power, i.e. the wind. It does not cause any type of pollution and thus, does not affect the environment in any form. It can be regenerated again and anytime using wind power.
Generating Wind power
Wind power has been the best source of power since decades in traditional forms but sophistically, it was first used in Netherlands. The renewable power of wind is generated by wind mills. The wind mills capture wind which is used for rotating turbines, for generating electricity. The renewable power thus generated is used to light streets and houses, pump water in wells for irrigation and is also put to use in small units of industries.
Renewable wind power generated from just a single wind mill is not enough to be used for commercial purposes. Thus, several wind mills are erected over a large area known as a Wind Power Farm. The wind power from such a farm is used to produce electricity that is sufficient to be used on a commercial range.
The averages of the wind mills need to be calculated as wind mills of different speeds are apt in different terrains. The construction and design of wind mills rotated by wind power can be adapted to suit a particular location and use the electricity generated by the wind power.
Advantages of Wind Power
• Wind power has created a number of jobs. Wind power companies call for those people who have sufficient knowledge of wind power technology.
• Wind power does not emit any environmental pollution.
• To the extent that affordability is apprehensive, wind power is lucrative and commercial. Economies of scale can be attained if a person chooses it for the requirement.
• The yield of wind power has improved to a great extent, owing to the materialization of refined technology.
• Wind power assures a clean environment.
• Wind power is an alternative source, i.e. it is abundant in nature, which is in contrast to the conventional sources of power that are scarcely available.
• Wind power is clean and eco friendly.
• The maintenance cost of wind turbines is less. The only need is to incur initial investment.
This fact is acknowledged to all that future is unsure, but prices of oil can heighten in near future. Wind power is stable and there are less chances of price volatility. The demand for the power of wind is increasing day by day and wind power companies are making the most of it. So, wind power is known for its commercial use and its demand is escalating gradually.
Wind power is acquired from the alteration of wind energy by wind turbines. Wind power may also be called a type of solar energy as wind comes from the sun. The heat of the sun warms the earth’s surface. The earth gets heated during the day and cools during the night. Consequently, the air above the earth also heats up or cools down at varied rates. Hot air near the surface of the earth rises and cool air comes in its place. This moving of air is called wind.
Wind Power as a Source of Energy
Wind power is being used as a source of energy since primordial times in traditional forms but sophistically, it was first used in Netherlands. Wind mills generate wind power. The wind mills incarcerate wind that is used to rotate turbines which, in turn, leads to the generation of electricity. The electricity thus generated is used for lighting streets and houses, to pump water in wells for irrigation and also for use in small divisions of industries.
Electricity generated by wind power of just a single wind mill is not enough to be used for commercial purposes. Thus, several wind mills are raised in a large area known as a wind energy farm. The wind energy produced from such a farm is employed to generate electricity that is capable of being used on a commercial level.
The average speed of winds must be calculated as contrasting windmills are appropriate for unlike speeds in unlike terrains. The construction and design of turbines of wind that the wind power rotates can be adapted to fit a particular location and in the end, use the electricity produced by the power of wind.
Pros and Cons of Wind Power
There are various pros of wind power. For example, Wind power is eco-friendly as no harmful chemicals or fuels are emitted as is the case during the burning of fossil fuels. Wind power is abundant. It is a renewable source of energy. Wind turbines cover less area of land as compared to other power stations. Wind power is economical. It helps in lessening the green house effect. It is an enduring and permanent form of energy. Wind is always and everywhere available and thus, wind power can be obtained anywhere in the world. Wind power can be effectively used in remote regions where the needs for electricity are confined. It can be easily fulfilled with the help of wind power.
Apart from the advantages of wind power, there are several disadvantages also. Wind turbines are a great source of noise pollution. Wind is something that cannot be predicted. Thus, areas in which the required wind power is more, one cannot rely upon wind. It cannot be transmitted. Wind turbines generate less electricity in comparison to the power stations. The manufacturing of wind turbines is pricey. The amount of the power of the wind generated by wind turbines is variable all the times. The reason behind this is that the vigor of the wind shows a discrepancy.
The stipulate for wind power has been growing day by day and wind power companies are ready to capitalize on it. So, wind power is acknowledged for its cost efficacy, and demand for this energy has been escalating day by day.
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