Wind Energy General Discussion-Brainstorming

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Wind power I know there's been some discussion on this. But usually its just "what do you think about it" and that's it. I'll at least put up some points about the power, its use, applications, future ideas and projects. As always, you can skip my input and focus on either the implementation of wind power, future wind power or ideas and opinions you have. Hopefully this counts as a 120% discussion. This can be added with the Photovoltaic discussion and the Machine/Robot discussion. To tease a friend (she knows who she is) I may do a discussion in quantum physics/theoretical physics and not just a fraction of it. ************* On the surface modern wind power consists of a windmill or wind turbine put into motion by appropriate gusts. The windmill spins a generator in order to produce electricity. Even though its a small fraction of world wide power production, wind power implementation and use has increased by more than 350% in the last few years. Wind power is implemented through several parts of the world, typically implemented on wind farms, plains, ridges and other open natural areas conducive to wind. Power generation itself varies since wind is never consistent. A wind turbine or farm can vary with power generation due to the amount of breezes, placement, elevation and the velocity of the winds. The types of wind turbine placement are as follows most of which is self explanatory. Onshore turbines are placed on hilltop, high or mountainous terrain to take advantage of wind speeds and elevation. Nearshore turbines are placed somewhere near the shore either a few kilometers from the shoreline on the beach or out at the shallow ends of water. Offshore turbines are placed in deeper bodies of waters, lakes, oceans. Speeds are higher due to less resistance and more atmospheric forces out at sea and in other bodies of water. Countries like the United States and Germany are leading with wind power production and implementation. Many other countries across the world are investing in wind power production like Canada, Spain, Italy and others. The countries benefit from both public and private development/operations in wind power. Upfront, the long run costs of wind power generation are lower than mainstream power(which depends on capital expenditures over the lifetime of the plant or facility), a staple of most green/renewable energy sources. Understandably, there are some issues with wind power. On the operation side, wind power never reaches a peak efficiency due to the random nature of wind. Wind power is also ineffective in areas not conducive to wind. Politically, some elected officials and citizens want wind power along with greener energy. However, some are opposed to the placement of wind turbines particularly in onshore or nearshore situations. Some cite ecological effects, like those on avian life and habitat; others(even those that want greener energies) cite aesthetic issues. Items like this arise and cause a lot of ironic situations with this form of renewable energy. Financially, the start up costs and current costs still make mainstream existing power sources a choice above wind power; though technologies in renewable energy continue to improve thereby reducing costs (financial and externals). There is also an issue with using more of the wind energy. Due to various factors, like nature and variance, its harder to use wind power to completely replace electrical energy. Cost comparison to other energy options is an issue depending on location (a common economic issue with several power sources). As with other forms of newer power, research and employment of wind power addresses these issues. Future applications and items Production side, wind power production is slated to grow another 200% by 2010. Canada and Italy are working on airborne wind turbines which would add to the total main wind turbine placement options available to wind power producers/consumers. Existing wind turbines are being reformatted with newer items to reduce noise issues. Placement and land use are also being revised for future and existing wind power sites. Environmentally, the footprint and space used of some wind farms and facilities are being reduced (or expanded for aesthetics), it depends on the situation. Some birds are also adapting to changes in flight, obstacles and general changes in the environment. There is also experimentation and research in creating a solar/wind hybrid plant and with that an economy. The hybrid power could be used with solar farms, wind plants as well as refitted solar top towns and biomass applications. Cities, houses, even cars(via recharge or recharge/fueling stations) could all be powered mainly by this dual or tri green energy setup. Again, future development and research is needed, but the technology is being deployed and it is getting better by the day. My opinion As with other renewable energies I’m a fan of the deployment and development. I’d like to see some of the future items implemented in time, especially with synergy green energy ideas. The inital costs, placement and citizen opinion will be issues; but with wavering power outlooks, there should be more encouragement, more drive to implementing available alternatives instead of paying through the nose. Just a thought. Of course I'm betting some don't agree at all. Fine, you're entitled to that opinion. It's interesting. With all of the talk of environmental protection, emissions, higher energy prices... its incredible seeing resistance to reasonable change. Yes there should be short term solutions, but that alone won't solve everything; we'll also be back at square one further down the road, its just procrastination for some parties. Development and implementation of newer and more efficient energy source, better energy plans, they will be greater for societies in the long term. ************************** Phew! Now then, your thoughts on this, if you would be so kind. They’d be quite interesting and I’d probably want to tweak some ideas that come up. If not, then I’ll at least thank you for your time and attention, like last discussion.