Author: John Mahoney
Article:
Wind turbines are rotating machines made for the sole purpose of
turning kinetic energy generated by wind into a renewable source
of mechanical energy; which in turn can be used for other
purposes, such as converting into electricity. Direct use of
that mechanical energy makes the machine a wind mill, while
conversion to electricity renders it a machine called by any of
the following names: wind generators, wind turbines, wind power
units (WPU), or wind energy converters (WEC).
The basic technology have been in use for many centuries now,
but the main focus for this seemingly-ancient technology
nowadays is its sought function as an alternative method of
generating power in form of WPU's. While its purpose is clean
cut, there is still much to be done before it can be used as a
viable alternative to oil, coal, and nuclear power. This has a
lot to do with current concerns about the environment and the
impending depletion of fossil fuels, making wind turbines one of
the main focuses of the green movement as a source of renewable
energy.
Modern wind turbines have two types: horizontal axis wind
turbines (HAWT) and vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT). The
former is the one most well-known with windmills as a classic
example. Advantages of HAWT's are that of structural stability,
variable blade pitch, and its versatility in terms of being able
to catch winds by being built in elevation and its ability to be
feathered in case of storms. It disadvantages include
difficulties in installation, operation, maintenance, and
transportation. VAWT's fare better in terms of the HAWT's
disadvantages, since they don't need to be built very high up.
However, they can't match up in terms of efficiency and
stability.
Wind turbines are a definite part of the world's ongoing quest
for energy alternatives with good reason. Obvious advantages are
that of renewable energy and apparent lack of environmental
risk. Since it has been used throughout human history, it is a
tested theory. It is accessible technology that works by the
basic principles that most people who have actually paid
attention to their science class in grade school can understand.
However, there are also disadvantages that are worth noting.
First is that of cost, since numerous wind turbines are required
to generate a significant amount of usable energy proportionate
to the size of the community. Also, they aren't exactly gentle
as there have been numerous cases of “wind turbine syndrome”
resulting from the constant loud noise that can affect nearby
residents. Symptoms can include sleeping problems, headaches,
exhaustion, irritability, dizziness, and so on. Also, location
is a big problem since a windy place is a necessity �" with
winds strong enough to turn the blades of each and every turbine.
While wind turbines are definitely a good idea to implement,
much has yet to be understood and discovered before it can
actually be a viable source of energy in today's world. The best
solution right now to alleviate energy woes is to combine this
with different alternative solutions to maximize effect and
replace traditional fossil fuel-driven methods of generating
power. While a total solution is yet to be found, it is
definitely within reach.
About the author:
John Mahoney is a freelance author who writes about various
technology related subjects including
urbines.html"> Wind-Turbines . For more information about
John visit hiswebsite:
No comments:
Post a Comment