How do you capture the energy in wind?
Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in wind into mechanical energy by using rotor blades to spin a generator. The generator then converts this mechanical energy into electrical energy that can be used to power homes and businesses.
Why does wind power mostly happen in Texas?
The Roscoe Wind Farm (780 MW) inTexas is the world's largest wind farm.[3 Texas, with 8,797 MW of capacity, has the most wind power capacity of any U.S. state, followed by Iowa with 3,053 MW.[2] Over 8,500 MW of new wind power capacity was brought online in 2008, increasing the nation's cumulative total by 50%. These new installations place the U.S. on a trajectory to generate 20% of the nation's electricity by 2030 from wind energy, as long as there is continued government policy support for the industry.[2] Growth in 2008 channeled some $17 billion into the economy, positioning wind power as one of the leading sources of new power generation in the country, along with natural gas. New wind projects completed in 2008 account for about 42% of the entire new power-producing capacity added in the U.S. during the year.[2]
At the end of 2008, about 85,000 people were employed in the U.S. wind industry,[4] and GE Energy was the largest domestic wind turbine manufacturer.[1] Wind projects boosted local tax bases, and revitalized the economy of rural communities by providing a steady income stream to farmers with wind turbines on their land.[1] Wind power in the U.S. provides enough electricity to power the equivalent of nearly 9 million homes, avoiding the emissions of 57 million tons of carbon each year and reducing expected carbon emissions from the electricity sector by 2.5%.[2
The world's top wind producerMap of available wind power over the United States. Color codes indicate wind power density class.
At the end of 2008, the U.S. wind power nameplate capacity became the largest in the world, followed by Germany, with Spain a close third. Because U.S. wind farms have a higher average capacity factorthan those in Germany due to higher average wind speeds, the U.S. became the world's largest producer of energy from the wind in mid-2008.[5][6]
Wind power is growing rapidly worldwide and U.S. capacity has more than doubled in the past three years. Doubling U.S. wind energy capacity over the next three years would imply no change in annual growth.[7] Doubling U.S. renewable energy over the next three years will, however imply a very significant growth, as only one-eighth of renewable energy was from wind in 2008, and little growth impact is expected due to any other renewable source.[8] The largest projects are in Texas, the Great Plains, and California, with smaller projects either underway or under consideration in many states.
As of December 2008, Texas (7,116 MW) was the state with the most wind capacity installed, followed by Iowa (2,790 MW), and California (2,517 MW).
The largest operational wind farm is the Roscoe Wind Farm (780 MW) in Texas, which is the world's largest wind farm.[3]
[edit]Installed capacity growthOver the last few years, wind power in the U.S. has been increasing exponentially. The following table compares the growth in wind power installed nameplate capacity in MW forTexas and California (until 2008 the two largest wind energy producing states), and the entire United States since 1999.[9] By the end of 2008, Iowa surpassed California with an installed capacity of 2790 MW.
Year Texas California U.S. 1999 180 1,646 2,500 2000 181 1,646 2,566 2001 1,096 1,714 4,261 2002 1,096 1,822 4,685 2003 1,293 2,043 6,374 2004 1,293 2,096 6,740 2005 1,995 2,150 9,149 2006 2,739 2,376 11,575 2007 4,296 2,439 16,596 2008 7,116 2,517 25,176U.S. installed wind power, 1981-2008
Installed capacity by state as of 2008-09-30 (for an animated map of installed capacity growth, click here)
[edit]Wind power by stateIn 2009, the United States indicated a target of doubling renewable energy production over the next three years. Most of the increase will come from wind power, although it would require at least 120,000 MW new capacity to double renewable energy, which in 2007 supplied 7% of U.S. energy.[10][11]
Most new wind power capacity is being built in the Great Plains region of the United States, which has a favorable combination of characteristics: ample wind resources, an extensive rail and highway network for shipping outsized turbine components, flat topography which both improves the wind and makes turbine components easier to ship, and broad acceptance from local farmers and ranchers. New development in some locations, however, is being limited by lack of additional capacity to transmit power to locations where it can be used.[12] Other areas seeing wind development include the Pacific Northwest, the Upper Midwest, and the Northeast. The table below shows wind potential and installed capacity along with existing construction (through June 27, 2009).
Kansas has high potential capacity and low existing capacity as well as low development under construction. Kansas alone has sufficient untapped wind to add 120,000 MW of capacity.[13]
State 50mWind power in Texas consists of many wind farms with a total installed capacity of 4,356 MW.[19] Some of the larger wind farms in Texas include the Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center, Sweetwater Wind Farm, King Mountain Wind Farm,Roscoe Wind Farm, Desert Sky Wind Farm, Woodward Mt. I & II, and Brazos Wind Ranch.[20]
The Roscoe Wind Farm in Roscoe, Texas is the world's largest wind farm with 627 wind turbines and a total installed capacity of 781.5 MW, which surpasses the nearby 735.5 MW Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center. It is located about 200 miles (320 km) west of Fort Worth and the wind farm area spans parts of four Texas counties.[21][22]
Expansion of wind power capacity will help Texas meet its renewable energy goal of 5,000 new megawatts of power from renewable sources by 2015.[23]
[edit]Wind power in CaliforniaMain article: Wind power in CaliforniaWind power in California has been an area of considerable activity for many years. California was the first U.S. state where large wind farms were developed, beginning in the early 1980s.[24] By 1995, California produced 30 percent of the entire world's wind-generated electricity.[25] In 2004, California produced 4,258 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, roughly 1.5 percent of the total energy consumed by the state each year.
More than 13,000 of California's wind turbines, or 95 percent of all of California's wind output, are located in three primary regions: Altamont Pass Wind Farm (east of San Francisco); Tehachapi Pass Wind Farm (south east of Bakersfield), andSan Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm (near Palm Springs, east of Los Angeles).[25]
[edit]Largest wind farmsFurther information: List of wind farms in the United StatesAs of December 2008, these are some of the largest wind farms in the United States:
Farm Installed* Under construction
The majority of the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm as viewed from the San Jacinto Mountains to the south. (The farm continues over the hills to the north along California State Route 62 and is not visible from this vantagepoint). The layout includes a variety of large modern and older smaller turbine designs
Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center is the world's largest wind farm at 735.5 megawatt (MW) capacity. It consists of 291 GE Energy 1.5 MW wind turbines and 130 Siemens 2.3 MW wind turbines spread over nearly 47,000 acres (190 km²) of land in Taylor and Nolan County, Texas.[29] The first phase of the Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center consisted of 213 MW and was completed in late 2005; phase two consisted of 223.5 MW and was completed in the second quarter of 2006; phase three which consisted of 299 MW, was completed by the end of 2006.[29]
The Fowler Ridge Wind Farm is currently under construction in Benton County, Indiana. The wind farm will be completed in two phases and will have a maximum generating capacity of 750 MW total. The first phase of the project, consisting of 222 wind turbines, will bring the first 400 MW on-line by the end of 2008. Phase 2 (350 MW) could begin in early 2009.[30]
A proposed 4,000 MW facility, called the Pampa Wind Project, is to be located near Pampa, Texas, with the first 1,000 MW to come online by 2011.
[edit]Wind power industryFurther information: List of wind turbine manufacturersIn the past, the U.S. wind industry relied largely on imported components; however, there has been a shift towards domestic manufacturing that is likely to continue. Since 2005 many turbine manufacturing leaders have opened U.S. facilities; of the top 10 global manufacturers in 2007, seven - Vestas, GE Energy, Gamesa, Suzlon, Siemens, Acciona, and Nordex - have an American manufacturing presence. In addition, Clipper Windpower, which is based in the U.S., has joined GE as a major domestic player in the production of utility-scale wind turbines, with the two companies together accounting for 50% of the 2008 domestic turbine market.[31]
As of April 2009, over 100 companies are producing components for wind turbines, employing thousands of workers in the manufacture of parts as varied as towers, composite blades, bearings and gears. Many existing companies in traditional manufacturing states have retooled to enter the wind industry. Their manufacturing facilities are spread across 40 states, employing workers from the Southeast to the Steel Belt, to the Great Plains and on to the Pacific Northwest.[31]
Plans for 30 new manufacturing facilities were announced in 2008, and the wind industry expects to see a continued shift towards domestic manufacturing in the coming years. In total, 70 manufacturing facilities have begun production, been expanded, or announced since January 2007.[31]
[edit]Government involvementKaheawa Wind Farm nearMaalaea, Maui, with 20 GE Energy 1.5 MW wind turbines
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will work with six leading wind turbine manufacturers over the next 2 years towards achieving 20% wind power in the United States by 2030. The DOE announced theMemorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GE Energy, Siemens Power Generation, Vestas Wind Systems, Clipper Windpower, Suzlon Energy, and Gamesa Corporation. Under the MOU, the DOE and the six manufacturers will collaborate to gather and exchange information relating to five major areas: research and development related to turbine reliability and operability; siting strategies for wind power facilities; standards development for turbine certification and universal interconnection of wind turbines; manufacturing advances in design, process automation, and fabrication techniques; and workforce development.[32][33]
In addition, the DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has announced a number of wind technology projects, including a new state-of-the-art wind turbine blade test facility to be build in Ingleside, Texas. The Texas-NREL Large Blade Research and Test Facility will be capable of testing blades as long as 70 meters (230 feet). It will be built and operated through a partnership among NREL, DOE, and a state consortium led by University of Houston, with the university owning and operating the facility's buildings, DOE funding up to $2 million in capital costs, and NREL providing technical and operational assistance. The blade test facility is estimated to cost between $12 million and $15 million and should be completed by 2010. Located on the Gulf Coast, the Texas facility will complement a similar facility that is being built on the coast of Massachusetts.[34]
NREL has also recently signed agreements with Siemens Power Generation and First Wind, a wind power developer. Siemens is launching a new research and development facility in nearby Boulder, Colorado, and has agreed to locate and test a commercial-scale wind turbine at NREL's National Wind Technology Center (NWTC). First Wind (formerly called UPC Wind Partners, LLC) owns and operates the 30-megawatt Kaheawa Wind Power farm in West Maui, Hawaii, and has agreed to let the NWTC establish a Remote Research Affiliate Partner Site at the facility. The Maui satellite of NWTC will collaborate with First Wind on studies to develop advanced wind energy technologies, including energy storage and integration of renewable electricity into Maui's electrical grid.[35]
In July 2008, Texas approved a $4.93 billion expansion of the state's electric grid to bring wind energy to its major cities. Transmission companies will recoup the cost of constructing the new power lines, expected to be completed in 2013, from fees estimated at $4 per month for residential customers.[36]
The Green Power Express is a proposal for an electric power transmission grid that would transmit up to 12,000 MW of wind generated power from the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Iowa to the Chicago area and to southeastern U.S. states.[37] It has received some approvals from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission of the U.S. government.
[edit]Tax creditsA federal production tax credit (PTC) of $19 per MW·h generated for the first ten years for wind energy sold as well as RPS mandating a certain percentage of electricity sales come from renewable energy sources in about half of the states has boosted the development of the wind industry. At the time the wind power tax credit was due to expire at the end of the year, and the display was intended to bring awareness to the wind industry. Each year that the tax credit has not been renewed well before it expires the number of installations has dropped significantly the following year, and since it was not renewed until October 3, it is expected that 2009 will as well see a slowing of construction starts.[38] The 30% tax credit for installing photovoltaics was extended at the same time for eight years, but wind for only one year. The industry has asked for a long term extension, in order to provide stability, particularly because projects of long lead times for project development and construction (2 to 3 years of wind data collection, 2 years lead time on turbine orders, and 6 to 9 months for construction.)
A recent effort has ensued to make the production tax credit either refundable or transferable. Because wind energy projects do not provide returns sufficient to capture the full value of the PTC on their own, the PTCs are not currently refundable or tradable, the owner of a wind energy project must either have profits from other activities to provide "tax appetite" or include a tax equity partner in the project financing. In the fourth quarter of 2008 the cost of tax equity capital shot up as a response to the global credit crisis, making the cost of energy from wind energy projects increase by 10% or more.
In 2008 a 131-foot wind turbine blade was on display first outside the Democratic National Convention in Denver and then the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis.[39]
[edit]Additional income for farmersShiloh Wind Power Plant inSolano County, California
Main article: wind farm
There is competition for wind farms among farmers in places like Iowa or ranchers in Colorado. Farmers, with no investment on their part, typically receive $3,000-5,000 per year in royalties[40] from the local utility for siting a single, large, advanced-design wind turbine, which occupies a quarter-acre of land.[41][42][43][44][45]
[edit]Aesthetics, the environment and quality of lifeMain article: Environmental effects of wind powerLandscape and ecological issues may be significant for some wind farm proposals.[46] However, when appropriate planning procedures for site selection are followed environmental problems should be minimal. Some people may still object to wind farms, but their concerns should be weighed against the need to address the threats posed by climate change and fossil fuel depletion, the need for energy security, and the opinions of the broader community.[47][48]
Worldwide experience has shown that community consultation and direct involvement of the general public in wind farm projects has helped to increase community approval,[49] and some wind farms overseas have become tourist attractions.[48][50]
In July 2008, oilman T. Boone Pickens emerged as a vocal advocate of wind power, although he later scaled it back due to problems with financing.[5]
[edit]MassachusettsIn Massachusetts, the Cape Wind project, a proposal to construct 130 offshore wind turbines in Nantucket Sound, has been the subject of heavy debate for many years[51] in the affluent communities of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, andNantucket, as well as among environmentalists.
[edit]Offshore wind powerIn June 2009, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar issued five exploratory leases for wind power production on the Outer Continental Shelf offshore from New Jersey and Delaware. The leases authorize data gathering activities, allowing for the construction of meteorological towers on the Outer Continental Shelf from six to 18 miles offshore.[52]
[edit]Rhode IslandAt the state level, a goal was set in 2004 by the governor of having 15% of electricity come from renewable sources by 2020. As of 2008, Rhode Island has less than a quarter of one percent of its energy coming from in-state renewable sources.
State officials picked Deepwater Wind to build a $1.5-billion, 385-megawatt wind farm in federal waters off Block Island. The 100-turbine project could provide 1.3 terawatt-hours (TW·h) of electricity per year - 15 percent of all electricity used in the state.[53][54][55]
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Why are most of the Wind Turbines grey or white in colour?
To help reduce their visual impact as much as possible.
The skies across North America and Europe are most often grey or off-white, so the turbines are painted the same colour. Painting them green or blue would actually make them stand out a lot more!
Advantages and disadvantages of sound energy?
well some people say you can't have advantages and disadvantages of sound energy but you can.
Advantage:
* It is eco-friendly in a way
Disadvantage:
*It can be drowned out by louder sound
Hope this helps! :-D
What conditions are necessary for a wind farm?
Wind farms require areas with strong and consistent wind currents, typically classified as class 3 or higher in terms of wind availability. Adequate land space is needed to accommodate multiple turbines while minimizing turbulence from nearby structures or obstacles. Access to transmission lines for electricity distribution is also crucial for connecting the wind farm to the grid.
How can wind energy source be utilized?
Wind energy can be harnessed through wind turbines to generate electricity. These turbines capture the kinetic energy of the wind and convert it into electrical power. The electricity produced can then be used to power homes, businesses, and even entire communities.
Why is the location of wind turbines so important?
The location of wind turbines is important because it directly impacts their efficiency and power generation. Factors such as wind speed, terrain, and proximity to transmission lines can affect how much energy the turbines can produce. Placing turbines in areas with strong, consistent winds can maximize their output and make them more economically viable.
What are Currents powered by wind called?
Currents powered by wind are called wind-driven currents or wind-driven circulation. These currents are created by the friction between the wind and the surface of the water, causing the water to move in the direction of the wind.
How is wind energy transformed into useful energy?
Wind energy is captured using wind turbines, which have blades that rotate when wind blows. The rotation of the blades turns a generator inside the turbine, converting mechanical energy into electricity. This electricity can then be sent to the grid for use in homes, businesses, and other applications.
How do you transform wind into green energy?
Wind energy is harnessed using wind turbines, which convert the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power is then transformed into electricity using a generator. The electricity generated is considered green energy as it does not produce greenhouse gas emissions during its operation.
Is it illegal to touch a windmill?
It is generally not illegal to touch a windmill as long as you are not causing any damage or entering restricted areas. However, some windmills may be on private property or have safety regulations in place, so it's best to respect any signs or notices posted.
What does wind do to are environment?
Wind plays a crucial role in shaping our environment by dispersing seeds and pollen, moderating temperatures, and aiding in the erosion of rocks and soil. It also helps circulate air and distribute heat and moisture around the globe, influencing weather patterns and climate. However, strong winds can also cause damage by toppling trees, buildings, and power lines.
Why is a higher altitude better for wind farms?
Higher altitudes generally experience stronger and more consistent winds compared to lower altitudes, making them more suitable for wind farms. The higher wind speeds at elevated locations allow wind turbines to generate more electricity more consistently, improving their efficiency and energy output.
Why does the location of wind power depend on the cost?
The location of wind power depends on cost factors like wind resource availability, access to transmission lines, permitting costs, land expenses, and proximity to load centers. These factors impact the overall cost of wind energy production and influence where it is economically feasible to develop wind projects.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of offshore wind farms?
Offshore wind farms produce energy which is virtually emission free. After the initial expense of purchasing the wind farms, there are minimal costs involved in producing energy. Many people are opposed to offshore wind farms as they can ruin the view of the ocean and may cause noise.
Wind turbines spin because of the force of the wind turning the blades. The wind pushes the blades, causing them to rotate. This rotation is then converted into electricity through a generator within the turbine.
What is wind wind energy's weakness?
The problem with wind energy is that it is usually generated via wind turbines. Wind turbines take a lot of energy to make, and unfortunately, it uses more than it will generate in it's lifetime.
What is the original source for wind energy?
The original source for wind energy is the sun. The sun's radiation heats the Earth unevenly, causing air to move and create wind. Wind turbines then convert this kinetic energy into electricity.
When was wind energy discovered?
Wind energy has been utilized for centuries, with evidence of its use dating back to around 5,000 BC in ancient Egypt. However, the modern development of wind energy technologies, such as wind turbines for electricity generation, began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Is wind energy scarce or plentiful?
Wind energy is considered plentiful as long as there are consistent wind resources available. However, the amount of wind energy that can be harnessed at a specific location can vary depending on factors such as location and weather patterns. Overall, wind energy is considered a renewable resource that is abundant and can be tapped into for electricity generation.
How does a wind turbine harness the wind?
Wind, as all moving masses, carries something called kinetic energy. When that kinetic energy hits the large blades on a wind turbine they begin to spin. That spinning can then be used to turn a generator to create electric energy.
Most wind turbines can yaw so that they are perpendicular upwind or downwind (depending what the design is) to the wind. Facing in the right direction allows the turbine to operate as efficiently as possible.
The wind blows and the blades of the turbines turns. The kinetic energy derived from the turning movement of the blades turns in the electric energy in the plant than transferred to the nearest grid by transmission lines.
The wind turbines turn and collect the kinetic energy and turns it into mechanical energy.
What are 3 advantages for wind energy?
What are 5 examples of wind energy?
Wind power is harnessed by using wind turbines to convert the kinetic energy of the moving air into electricity. The rotating blades of the turbine spin a generator to produce electricity, which can be used to power homes, businesses, and communities. Wind power is a renewable energy source that can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
What kind of energy of wind turns the blades of a windmill?
The kinetic energy of the moving air (wind) is converted into mechanical energy, which then turns the blades of a windmill. This mechanical energy is further converted into electrical energy through a generator connected to the windmill.