 Wind is common in most areas, but there are locations with an even larger amount of wind, thus allowing for more energy to be generated. While these locations may be slightly more beneficial, that does not mean that it is not possible for wind energy to be utilized effectively in other locations.
Wind is generated based on the earth’s surface - the irregular topography, the planet's rotation, and variations of the earth’s temperature. The wind flow is based on changes across the surface. Locations are studied to find which locations have optimum amounts of wind flow. There are some wind turbines that are even designed to adjust to the optimum angle to generate wind energy.
The most common types of wind turbines are horizontal wind turbines, which are tall shafts with long, horizontal, rectangle turbines at the top. These rotate with the wind, which spins the shaft. The shaft turns the generator at the bottom, thereby generating energy.
There are three types of wind farms: land farms, near-shore, and off-shore.
Land wind farms are three kilometers or more inland. The often align themselves to the wind. It can be difficult to get approval for these wind farms because some people believe they have a negative aesthetic nature.
Near-shore wind farms are installed just off the shoreline and, on occasion, on the beach itself. Near-shore wind farms benefit from one-directional, constant wind. This is very similar to the characteristics of land farm wind turbines. The topography is studied to choose the sites that have the highest amount of constant wind. Near-shores have a downside, noise pollution. When placed in a direct line, they can create a noise nuisance, which is irritating to local residents and can lower the value of real estate.
Off-shore wind farms are built 10 kilometers away from the land, are the most expensive to build, and have the highest maintenance costs due to salt water corrosion. However, they are also able to produce the most electricity. Wind travels very quickly over water, and sometimes in the same direction. These turbines direct themselves in the optimum place for energy generation. Off-shore wind turbines transfer their electricity to land via a large cable.
The selection of the wind turbine site is important to the overall development of wind power. While wind is an obvious necessity in the choice of location, the availability of transmission lines, value of energy to be produced, the cost of land, land use considerations, and environmental impact are also important things to consider. Off-shore locations offset high construction costs with higher annual load factors. This reduces the cost of energy produced.
From 2005 to 2008, energy generated through wind-farms doubled. Wind generation is now being used commercially in 80 countries and the number is rising. It is possible to use wind turbines for energy generation in most locations. Wind turbines are clean, pollution-free, and create no greenhouse gases. Small wind turbines can power an entire house, with enough energy left over to sell back to the energy network.
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