Utilizing Wind Power as an Energy Source
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by: SarahGreen | Total views: 25 | Word Count: 421
Today, there are more than 1/4 of a million air turbines around the globe. But only 25 % of these turbines are used to generate electrical power. The rest are used to pump water from the ground. Around the world wind power has been growing at 30 % per year, and now generates the equivalent of 20 coal-powered power stations. Wind power uses no fuel and does not produce any dangerous emissions or wastes, apart from those utilized in the manufacture of the turbines.
Gusty locations
Turbines are built in places that are windy all of the time, eg coasts and even the coasts of some massive lakes. The contemporary wind turbine has a high tower, at the top of which are 2 or 3 blades. The blades are moved by the wind. The kinetic energy is converted straight into electricity by rotating a generator.
Wind turbine design
Air turbines come in two basic designs, the fundamental difference being in the drive shaft. This is the part of the turbine that links the blades to the generator. The most common design is the horizontal axis turbine, with two or three blades. Horizontal axis turbines have a horizontal drive shaft.
Vertical axis turbines have vertical drive shafts. The blades are lengthy, curved and attached to the tower at the very top and bottom. More recently, 'shrouded ' turbines have appeared. These have a hood around the rotor to funnel the wind over the blades. This is the cause of the wind to move faster over the blades, spinning them more quickly.
Wind turbines are rocketing in size, and the highest are now more than 120 metres in height. The wind is more powerful higher above the ground, so taller wind turbines bring the blades into contact with quicker moving air. The blades are getting longer as well , reaching lengths of eighty metres or even more. They are built from light, but robust, composite materials, in order that they can survive strong winds.
The layout
The placing of the air turbines is important, too. If they are placed too close together, they block the wind power from their neighbors. Computers are used to work out the best positions. Electronic monitors measure the wind speed and direction. This information is used to adjust the angle of the blades and the direction of the whole turbine to match the wind conditions. If the blades were permitted to spin too quickly, they could break. If the wind is too strong, the blades are either turned out of the wind, or brakes are applied.
About the Author
Sarah Green is an environmental campaigner, activist, and powerful disciple of being energy self-sufficient. In her spare time, she reports on DIY alternative energy plans and kits, such as the ben ford homemade energy download
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