Wind energy
Introduction: The hunt for alternative sources of energy is never
ending. At present, we use fossil fuels to meet our energy needs, but these are
a limited resource. Moreover, when burnt, fossil fuels emit harmful gases such
as carbon dioxide (CO2), which destroys the ozone layer. In recent
years, the consumption of fossil fuels has increased dramatically, damaging the
environment, our health and our planet. Therefore, it is imperative to find
replacements; one such replacement is wind energy. Wind energy is at the
forefront of renewable energy resources; it is considered a renewable resource
because we are not “using up” wind when we produce energy from it. In addition
to this wind power does not cause air pollution.
History of Wind Energy: People have been using wind power for many
centuries. As early as 5000 B.C., Egyptians use wind energy to propel boats
along the Nile River. By 200 B.C. wind-powered water pumps and windmills with
woven reed needles were used to grind grain in Persia. In the 11th
century, people in the Middle East used wind pumps and wind mills for food
production. Today, wind tunnels are primarily used to generate electricity.
The rotor than spins a gear
attached to it and this gear rotates several smaller motors that connect to a
generator. Eventually, the generator turns this energy into electrical energy.
Interestingly, wind turbines
can also be installed on floating structures that can send electricity back to
land with the help of undersea cables. These are more efficient as the ocean
generates a lot of breeze, which means more energy can be generated. The
largest wind turbine in the world is in Hawaii, U.S.A. It stands 20 storeys
tall and has blades the length of the football field!
Applications: Wind turbines have no limitation to their use; they can be
used for large-scale industrial purposes and even to power a single home.
Larger wind turbines are often grouped in wind farms, which have hundreds of
windmills. These farms can produce over 100 megawatts of energy.
Small wind turbines, of up to
100kilowatts, are typically located close to where the generated electricity
will be used, for example, near homes or water pumping stations. Small turbines
are sometimes connected to diesel generators, batteries and photovoltaic
systems. These systems are called hybrid wind systems and are typically used in
remote locations, where a connection to the electricity grid is unavailable.
Advantages: Most importantly, wind is a renewable energy source, which
means we will never run out of it. In addition to this, it does not cause any
harm to the environment. Wind turbines can supply energy in remote places as
they do not require a lot of infrastructure. Wind is a domestic energy source,
which means it does not need to be transported and the wind can be converted
into electricity within the windmill itself. Wind turbines also require
periodic maintenance, unlike other power sources.
Disadvantages: Wind fluctuates, which means it is not always reliable.
Wind turbines can disturb wildlife such as birds and bats. In some countries,
people even cut down forests to set up wind turbines. Wind turbines also
generate a lot of noise.
As the world begins to look for more sustainable solutions to the
pressing problem of non-renewable energy, wind energy could emerge as an
important energy source if more countries start to adopt it.
