Wind Energy (Research Paper Sample)

Wind Energy Name Institution Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction …………………………………………………………………….3 1.0.1 Wind Energy Generation ……………………………………………………..5 2.0 Advantages of Wind Energy…………………………………………………….8 2.0.1 Renewability…………………………………………………………………..8 2.0.2 Turbine Maintenance……………………………………………………….....8 2.0.3 A Suitable Alternative…………………………………………………………9 2.0.4 Cost Effective Technology……………………………………………………10 2.0.5 Job Creation…………………………………………………………………11 3.0 Disadvantages of Wind Energy…………………………………………………12 3.0.1 Noise…………………………………………………………………………..12 3.0.2 Unpredictability……………………………………………………………….13 3.0.3 High Costs…………………………………………………………………….14 3.0.4 Variability…………………………………………………………………….14 3.0.5 Pollution………………………………………………………………………15 4.0 Status of Wind Technology……………………………………………………..16 5.0 Future Challenges of Developing Wind Energy ………………………………..17 6.0 The Future of Wind Energy……………………………………………………..19 7.0 References……………………………………………………………………….21 1 Introduction The rise in technological innovations has led to the development of various forms of energy. Other than the conventional use of non-renewable sources of energy, other forms of energy are increasingly being improved to meet the wider demand of for power (Boyle, 2004). Wind energy, solar energy and hydro electric power have provided alternative forms of renewable energy. These forms of energy are friendly to the environment. This paper discuses the use of wind as a source of energy. It explores its advantages and disadvantages and assesses the use of wind energy today. In addition, it identifies the challenges that would affect the future growth of wind energy resource. It concludes by projecting on the future use of this alternative source of energy. Wind energy is extracted from wind. Extraction of this form of energy involves the use of turbines to generate electric power for both domestic uses. The history of this form of energy dates back to over 2000 years ago when wind-powered machines were used to pump water. Prof James Blyth was the brainchild of this new development (Martinot et al., 2002). He built a ten-meter high wind turbine that he used to charge accumulators that provided power for lighting system in the cottage. In this respect, the cottage made history as the first house that utilized energy to provide electricity. In later years, the development of turbines that generated electricity for use at the Dispensary of Montrose took place (Martinot et al., 2002). The development of the turbines occurred in light of an increasing preference for renewably energy. The development of wind turbines was a welcomed idea. Wind-powered pumps were used remove excess water from the polders of Netherlands while they were used to supply water for animal uses in areas that it did not enjoy relative rainfall in American Midwest. Throughout time, Charles Brush developed a more sophisticated turbine that operated for a three years. The turbine had a 17m rotor that was fixed on an 18m tower. However, it had a lower rating of 12Kw. It had a dynamo that was used to operate incandescent light bulbs and various motors inside Brush’s engineering company (Council, 2009). Later technologies saw the development of electric power that became more popular than wind power due to its ability to produce higher amounts of Watts need for various industrial uses. However, wind power got new applications that include lighting homes and providing power for wind mills. Today, large wind farms consist of many turbines that are connected to hydroelectric power system. The modern era is characterized by commercialization of wind energy. Private companies have identified wind energy as a potential source of renewable energy. Hence, they have embarked on its exploitation to sell it to industries that require high amounts of power for use. In this regard, wind energy has been exploited in many developed countries to contribute to their power generation. It is seen as suitable alternative to non-renewable energy sources that are increasingly becoming expensive and causing dangerous impacts to the environment (Zervos, 2003). The exploitation of wind energy is done on a higher scale to by companies that sell it or private organizations. This production is evident in the many large wind farms that have various turbines which generate wind power. The modern era is also characterized by high competition. The increasing demand for power, particularly the renewable sources of energy, has put pressure on companies that have capacities to exploit wind energy. These companies must compete and utilize available options for exploitation. Competition has led to competitive prices for wind power that has given consumers an opportunity to afford quality wind power options. The modern era has brought many changes in the supply of wind energy. Production of wind energy has been in a large scale. In some countries, the national power grid has been connected to the wind farms power system to increase the supply of energy. In so doing, these countries have been able to check on the cost of power. Generation of Electricity from the Wind Since wind is air in motion, the movement of the air molecules is due to the presence of kinetic energy in them. The integration of the kinetic energies of the individual molecules forms wind energy. This energy is sufficient to turn turbines. A typical wind farm has several turbines that are similar in design and make (Weisser, 2003). The turbines have blades that rotate when the wind blows. The blades rotate when the wind blows and creates a motion. This motion triggers the rotor that is inside the generator to produce power. Each turbine in a wind farm operates by itself. The power that flows inside the cables combines with the energy that flows in the cables of other turbines to produce a larger output of power. The power that is produced is then connected to main grid. This system has been used effectively in countries like New Zealand. The turbine consists of various parts namely the foundation, tower, nacelle and blades. The foundation anchors the turbine firmly. Since wind energy involves rotation of the blade, a firm foundation is necessary to ensure that the system is in its proper positioning. The foundation is made of concrete and other materials that can endure mechanical processes such as weathering and erosion. The purpose of the tower is to raise the blades above the surface of the ground. The blades are required to position in the path of the wind. Thus, they are placed raised high enough to tap the wind (Ackernannan & Soder, 2002). The use of tower enhances this strategic positioning of the blades. Once the blades are held high, they can begin to rotate when the wind is blowing regardless of the direction. The tower is also used to access the nacelle and the rotor. The other component of the turbine is the nacelle. Its purpose is to hold the gearbox, the generator and the rotor in position. It serves as the nerve center of the turbine since most of its operations take place here. The figure above shows three blades tied to the rotor. A greater amount energy is realized when the blades are longer. They are always tested to enable them handle harsh conditions of weather (Sathyajith, 2006). The safety of the turbines is enhanced by a computer system that checks the speed of wind. When the ...