When discuss wind energy, we think about the way in which we create electricity using the wind from the atmosphere. Now a days, the wind turbines use capture the kinetic energy from the wind to then generate electricity. There are three main types of wind energy. The first conducts small wind, which is used to direct power directly to a home and less than 100 kilowatts not connecting to a grid. The second is a utility wind power which is sends electricity to power systems through the power grid. Finally, the third is an offshore wind. Here the turbines take the wind from large bodies of water to generate power. From kinetic energy, the rotation turns the energy into mechanical energy. The rotation then turns the internal shaft connected to a box, which increases the speed of the rotation by 100 times. The average turbine stands 262 feet tall ad in order to generate energy, around 6-9 miles per hour of wind is needed. Additionally, if the wind is blowing faster than 55 miles per hour, then it will turn off and not generate. Throughout generation, the turbines can generate electricity 90% of the time. All wind turbines are connected in a wind farm, which is then connected to the power grid. Once the grid receives this generated energy, the power operators will send out energy where needed.
Out of all energy sources, wind energy is the cheapest form. This energy can cost up to 30 cents per kilowatt-hour. By this being one of the cheapest forms of energy and being as cost effective as it is, it is a system that should be considered to have more around the wind turbines. There are also many disadvantages to these. One is the amount of space required in order to just create one. We clearly cannot have wind turbines in the middle of a city. Another problem is the fact that we have depend on the weather. As climate change and global warming is increasing our weather is becoming more unpredictable and extreme. With more extreme weather patterns, the more often the wind turbines will have to turn off.
I also wrote about wind energy and found some of the same information to be very interesting. The main downfall is that large areas of empty space are hard to find, especially in the U.S.. I wonder if there is someway to still access and convert wind energy without creating these massive wind turbines.
I have always been curious about wind energy and how it is so effective although it is weather dependent. Similar to Elly, I wonder if we can effectively use wind energy without massive turbines that take up so much space. Wind energy is useful since it is so cheap, but it is tough to say if it is the most effective due to the weather fluctuations from global warming.
I honestly did not know there were three main types of wind energy! I think your point about regulating the energy from the grid is important. It is cool that once the grid receives the energy, the power operators direct it to the places it needs to go. That seems like a great way to conserve energy in certain places, and build up energy in others. Wind energy, through its cost efficiency and environmental benefits proves that it is a great renewable resource!
When I was studying abroad in Spain, I noticed a lot of wind farms located outside of major cities, but I have never seen the same amount in the U.S. Perhaps this is because there is little room in the Northeast for large wind turbines or because of the weather?