Presenting the Wind Turbine

What exactly is a Wind Turbine?

   A wind turbine can be defined as a device which rotates in order to produce the energy derived from the movement of the wind's kinetic energy, into electrical energy. In short, this is the cleanest zero emissions motor spinning on this side of the universe.

   Wind Turbines convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. The wind blowing into the turbine through the nacelle (that sits on top of a pillar) rotates three high tech blades, which receive movement from the air blowing.

   The higher the tower the better the tower, which makes this similar to how most aircraft planes would work also. The higher in height means to minimize turbulence, and potential damage.

   Inside of the nacelle is a gear box, control equipment, and a generator which is controlled and monitored for development, and research of the turbines activity.

Here are some quick facts:

• 5 nations produce 75% of their energy needs through Wind Energy
• Wind is the fastest-growing energy sector
• Wind famers may contain hundreds of turbines at a time
• Denmark receives the majority of its energy from wind energy, up to 1/5 of its energy needs
• More efficient than any other renewable source, EROI = 23:1, oppose to coal which = 11:1
• Over 85,000 people have found employment in this sector
• Hundreds of colleges are offering program degrees to train people for jobs in the renewable energy field

 

So why should I care again?

   Wind turbines produce zero emissions into the air once installed for production. Running a 1-megawatt wind turbine for 1 year helps prevent 1,500 tones of carbon dioxide, 6.5 tones of sulfur dioxide, 3.2 tones of nitrogen oxides, and 60 lb of mercury, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  
   In one study Wind Turbines produced 23 times more energy than it consumed. The energy return-on-investment (EROI) shatters the numbers of nuclear energy with a ratio of 16:1, coal 11:1 and natural gas 5:1. Meaning Wind energy can supply hundreds of regions, from farmland to industrialized cities, desperately needing peak power supply daily.

If it's so great just how do I build this spacecraft?

   Good news is, building a wind turbine is not rocket science. In fact it's rather simple. Here's what you'll need:

1. Rotor - 3 high tech blades, a hub, and spinner
2. Nacelle - box-like component, sits on top of tower
3. Drive Train- The heart of a turbine; electricity generating system
4. Yaw- drive system; keeps turbine facing the direction of the wind
5. Tower - holds the nacelle and generator on top of its structure

That's all there is too it, not too complicated. Next of course would be the transportation and construction of the turbine to make it complete.

Okay, what's the catch?

   Only downside to wind energy is of course, wind varies from time to time, and place to place. Wind sources need better transmission network technology to reach population centers that are to far to reach effectively, in some cases to receive the benefit of this renewable energy.

   Other than pure reliability (which seems to be the major questions asked), there is nothing imminently wrong with wind energy. Granted turbines are helping the environment cut back on major amounts (tons) of CO2 emissions as well as other harmful greenhouse gases; while meeting all of our energy needs is incredible.

   Why wouldn't someone stop relying on fossil fuels, and switch to a renewable energy source?

Remember stay clean, and think "green". 

 

 

  Withgott, Jay, and Matthew Laposata. "Renewable Energy Alternatives." Essential Environment. Fourth Edition ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, 2012. 369-371. Print.

 "Anatomy of a Wind Turbine." AWEA. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2013. <http://www.awea.org/issues/supply_chain/Anatomy-of-a-Wind-Turbine.cfm>.

 

"Wind Energy | Energy and Global Climate Change in New England | US EP." US Environmental Protection Agency. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2013. <http://www.epa.gov/region1/eco/energy/re-wind.html>.