The biggest problem with wind turbines is that they can be noisy and unsightly, sometimes damaging to the physical environment. Another problem is that wind power is as volatile as solar power, meaning the turbines are dependent on the weather and therefore cannot generate electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What is wind energy?
Harnessing wind power to generate electricity is known as wind energy or aeolian energy. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy. With the help of a generator, this mechanical energy can be used for certain activities or converted into electricity.
Wind energy is a well-known renewable energy source that has a lower environmental impact than burning fossil fuels.
Wind farms comprise rows of individual wind turbines connected to an electrical power transmission network.
If you’re wondering why wind energy is renewable, it’s because nature is constantly replenishing it so humans can continue to harness its power without fear of running out.
What are the different types of wind energy?
Wind energy is one of the most widely used energy sources in the United States and is divided into three types:
offshore wind turbines
These turbines are usually larger than onshore turbines. Offshore turbines are among the most efficient because large turbines generate electricity much more efficiently than smaller ones.
Utility Scale Wind
The term includes turbines in the power range from 100 kilowatts to several megawatts that are connected to the grid and delivered to end users by the utility or electricity supplier.
distributed wind
This involves turbines with a capacity of less than 100 kW that are used to power homes, ranches or local businesses and are not connected to the grid.
How Wind Energy Works
Wind turbines use aerodynamic forces to convert wind energy into electricity – acting like an airplane wing.
When wind blows over one of the wind turbine blades, the air pressure decreases on one side and the difference in airflow between the two parts of the blade creates lift and drag. A windmill’s rotor spins because lift is greater than drag.
The rotor is connected to the generator either directly or through shafts and gears that allow rotational acceleration. In turn, the spinning gears will cause a generator to generate electricity.
What are the disadvantages of wind turbines?
As the name suggests, one of the most significant negative effects of a wind turbine is the wind.
Predicting how much energy a wind turbine will produce over time can be challenging because how efficiently a wind turbine generates electricity depends on the weather — if the wind speed is too low, the turbine’s rotor won’t spin.
This means that wind energy is not always available during periods of high electricity demand. Users must combine their wind turbines with energy storage to use wind energy exclusively.
Wind Energy: Pros and Cons
Wind energy is any transfer of energy produced by wind or other naturally occurring air currents. Any kind of energy has advantages and disadvantages, and wind energy is no exception.
Wind energy has several advantages, such as being a sustainable and clean energy source with the lowest operating costs, but it also has some disadvantages. According to Energy.gov, it faces many hurdles, which concern many people around the world.
Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of using wind energy:
Advantages of wind turbines
Wind power has many advantages, including:
Clean and Renewable Energy – Wind energy is 100% renewable and produces no greenhouse gas emissions.
It creates jobs—the wind power industry in the United States is the fastest growing industry, employing more than 100,000 people.
Its operating costs are moderate – the fuel source (wind) is natural and the turbine does not require much maintenance during its lifetime.
It saves space – the turbine and the equipment themselves don’t take up much space.
Disadvantages of wind turbines
Here are some disadvantages of wind turbines:
They’re sporadic — the weather determines how efficiently wind turbines generate electricity. So no wind, no wind power
They make noise – wind turbines can be very noisy when they are running.
They harm the environment—birds and bats can be injured or killed by turbine blades.
Why are people against wind turbines?
Although the wind turbines provide a form of renewable energy, some locals find the flickering shadows and audible noise bothersome. They claim the irritation is impairing their quality of life.
Additionally, a 2014 public health article discussed the detrimental effects of noise on human life. The authors suggest that noise pollution above a certain threshold is associated with various health problems.
On the other hand, based on conclusions and scientific merit, the evidence shows that wind turbines, when properly sited, are not associated with adverse health.
We create electricity wherever it is needed
Well, every day is more sustainable.
InkPV is focused on inspiring change through affordable, recyclable and energy efficient product design.
Contact InkPV’s solar experts for a free evaluation of quality solar panels and maximizing your energy output.