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Can Wind Power Be Stored
Wind power is quickly becoming an effective solar energy source. While the first wind turbine was used over 5,500 years ago, wind turbines didn’t surface again until the early 1980s. Since then, wind power has become extremely popular because of its renewable nature. It is a clean energy and it does not release greenhouse gases. Between 2005 and 2008, the use of wind power doubled. Currently, over 80 countries use wind as a source of energy.
Wind is created by the sun’s uneven heating across the earth’s surface. Along with uneven topography and the rotation of the earth, the speed and force of wind is constantly changing. While the wind may be intermittent, it still provides ample energy paired with a small network energy source which keeps the wind energy even when the wind power is lower. Wind power can be stored in a network, which allows for the energy to be saved for later when excess energy is generated.
Wind power is generated using wind turbines. Initially, wind turbines were vertical. These designs were tall shafts with vertical blades extending from the top. Over the past several decades, horizontal wind turbines have been developed. These turbines excel in wind power generation and consist of tall shafts with horizontal blades attached to the top. The blades are rectangular and often are covered with stiff cloth or ratting. As the wind turns the blades, the inner shaft is rotated, spinning tight, which generates power. The energy is either used directly or is transferred to the energy network where it is dispersed to locations in need of power.
Many wind turbines can be found on wind farms; however, there are small private wind turbines as well. These smaller wind turbines are usually found in isolated, domestic areas and can produce about 50 kW daily. It is possible with the smaller independent wind turbines to sell the excess energy back to the utility company. This allows for a profit on wind power, and also for the network to store extra wind power.
Most other turbines are found on wind farms, of which there are three basic types: off-shore farms, on-shore farms, and land farms. Off-shore farms are considered to be the most expensive wind turbine farms, both in building and in maintenance. Extra maintenance is needed because of corrosion due to salt. However, at the same time, off-shore wind farms are capable of generating the most energy. This is due to the fact that wind can travel more easily over the smooth and flat level of the surface of water.
On-shore farms are either along the beach line or directly on the beach. This form of wind farm is beneficial but can also cause a problem with noise nuisance. The straight lines of wind turbines generate large amounts of noise that travels for large distances.
Land farms are directly on land and are very popular. Locations are intensely studied to determine the amount of energy that can be generated in that specific location.
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