Humanity is experiencing a major energy crisis, caused by an overuse of fossil fuels (Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas). These fuels provide the necessary energy for our modern lifestyle but unfortunately, they also cause environmental damage. The global energy market is estimated to be over US$400 billion and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
To combat this looming crisis, three renewable energy sources have risen as possible alternatives to help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels: Wind, Water, and Solar Power. When installed and managed efficiently, these energy sources offer a viable solution to our energy needs, and become cost-effective in the long run. They are also pollution free, and can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have fossil fuels, which are considered to be non-renewable energy sources. They are considered the dirtier option because when they are depleted, they cannot be replaced easily. The global energy marketplace is currently dominated by fossil fuels, offering stable and reliable energy supplies at low costs. However, renewable energy sources are enjoying a surge in popularity, and are gradually changing the game for energy consumers. Many large energy companies have woken up to this fact, and have taken measures to provide more renewable energies to consumers. This guide will advise you on how to provide all global energy with wind, water, and solar power, and help you make the right choice for your household or business.
How Does Wind Energy Work?
Wind energy works when kinetic energy is converted into usable electrical energy via a wind turbine. A wind turbine is basically a device that harnesses the power of the wind through mechanical means. It consists of a rotor mounted on a tower or a blade that spins around to generate electricity. A modern day wind turbine commonly uses the Brayton cycle which is a heat-transfer cycle that converts wind energy into thermal energy. The Brayton cycle is named after its inventor Charles F. Brayton. This type of cycle is more efficient than the traditional one, and as a result, generates more electricity per unit of area. Modern wind turbines can rotate at speeds of 300 revolutions per minute or more, turning at least once every 10 minutes. This makes wind energy extremely reliable as long-term power.
Wind energy is one of the cleanest and most sustainable sources of energy available, offering a perfect alternative to fossil fuels. It is completely pollution-free, and can be produced in any country with large enough wind resources. It also has the advantage of being available all year round, unlike fossil fuels which are available only during certain seasons. Due to its reliability and ability to be sustained, many countries have decided to adopt wind energy as their primary source of power. Some famous examples of this include the Netherlands and Germany, which get over 60% of their electricity needs from wind energy. They are not the only ones though, with many other countries exploring this low-carbon option as well.
How Can I Install A Wind Turbine?
The first step to providing all global energy with wind, water, and solar power is to investigate the location of your prospective wind turbine. A good spot for a wind turbine is usually near the sources of fast-moving air, such as a lake, a coastline, or the atmosphere itself. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) provides a handy grid that shows the wind potential for each state, based on a 5-year average from 2008-2012. The map below shows the states with the highest wind potential, based on the NREL analysis. You can also use the NREL website to calculate the cost of installing solar or wind power in your area.
As you can see in the map above, Wyoming has some of the highest average wind speeds in the country. Unfortunately, there are no large population centers in the state, making it difficult to find an area to put up a turbine. The closest major city to the mountainous state is Dubois, which is roughly 400 km away. However, this is still a good spot to site a wind turbine, considering the fact that gas prices are high and the state has an unemployment rate of 7%. The other favorable states to site a wind turbine include South Dakota, Kansas, and Oklahoma. For those looking to install a small wind turbine, they can use the Money-Saving Tips For Home and Businesses guide, which has compiled a list of the best small wind turbines currently available. These tips will help you save a significant amount of money, and allow you to get your feet wet with wind energy, before deciding to move forward with a large-scale project.
What About Storage And Management Of Wind Energy?
Once you have your turbine in place, you will need to figure out where to store your energy. There are several different ways to store energy derived from wind, including batteries, flywheels, and hydroelectric plants. Batteries and flywheels are commonly used where energy demands are moderate (households and small businesses), and hydroelectric plants are used where energy needs are high (factories, hospitals, and large businesses).
The best location for your storage device will depend on the amount of power you need, and the amount of resources available to maintain the system. If you have a lot of space, you can install an above-ground ground-mounted tank where rainwater can be used to generate power. This type of system is commonly used in Europe and North America, where the climate is such that it provides sufficient rainwater to fill the tank. A ground-mounted tank takes up a lot of space and is rather cumbersome to transport and install, but it does provide a reliable energy source that can be easily accessed when needed.
To reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and create a more sustainable energy future, consider investing in a wind turbine generator. With so much talk of climate change and energy security, it is a perfect time to invest in new renewable energy sources that can become a part of your everyday life. By generating your own clean energy, you can completely avoid fossil fuels, save money, and protect the environment.
This article will examine the different ways in which wind, water, and solar energy can be used to generate power and provide a more sustainable energy future for our planet. In addition to helping you determine the most viable and cost-effective solution for your home or business, this guide will also provide tips on where to locate the wind turbine, and how to store and manage your new sustainable energy source.