Wind Energy Generation - Essay Example

Wind Energy Table of Contents 0 Introduction …………………………………………………………………….3 0 Wind Energy Generation ……………………………………………………..5 2.0 Advantages of Wind Energy…………………………………………………….8 2.0.1 Renewability…………………………………………………………………..8 2.0.2 Turbine Maintenance……………………………………………………….....8 2.0.3 A Suitable Alternative…………………………………………………………9 2.0.4 Cost Effective Technology……………………………………………………10 2.0.5 Job Creation………………………………………………………………… 11 3.0 Disadvantages of Wind Energy…………………………………………………12 3.0.1 Noise…………………………………………………………………………..12 3.0.2 Unpredictability……………………………………………………………….13 3.0.3 High Costs…………………………………………………………………….14 3.0.4 Variability……………………………………………………………………. 14 3.0.5 Pollution……………………………………………………………………… 15 4.0 Status of Wind Technology……………………………………………………..16 5.0 Future Challenges of Developing Wind Energy ………………………………..17 6.0 The Future of Wind Energy……………………………………………………..19 7.0 References……………………………………………………………………….21 1.0. Introduction The rise in technological innovations has led to the development of various forms of energy. Other than the conventional use of non-renewable sources of energy, other forms of energy are increasingly being improved to meet the wider demand of for power (Boyle, 2004). Wind energy, solar energy and hydro electric power have provided alternative forms of renewable energy. These forms of energy are friendly to the environment. This paper discuses the use of wind as a source of energy. It explores its advantages and disadvantages and assesses the use of wind energy today. In addition, it identifies the challenges that would affect the future growth of wind energy resource. It concludes by projecting on the future use of this alternative source of energy. Wind energy is extracted from wind. Extraction of this form of energy involves the use of turbines to generate electric power for both domestic uses. The history of this form of energy dates back to over 2000 years ago when wind-powered machines were used to pump water. Prof James Blyth was the brainchild of this new development (Martinot et al., 2002). He built a ten-meter high wind turbine that he used to charge accumulators that provided power for lighting system in the cottage. In this respect, the cottage made history as the first house that utilized energy to provide electricity. In later years, the development of turbines that generated electricity for use at the Dispensary of Montrose took place (Martinot et al., 2002). The development of the turbines occurred in light of an increasing preference for renewably energy. The development of wind turbines was a welcomed idea. Wind-powered pumps were used remove excess water from the polders of Netherlands while they were used to supply water for animal uses in areas that it did not enjoy relative rainfall in American Midwest. Throughout time, Charles Brush developed a more sophisticated turbine that operated for a three years. The turbine had a 17m rotor that was fixed on an 18m tower. However, it had a lower rating of 12Kw. It had a dynamo that was used to operate incandescent light bulbs and various motors inside Brush’s engineering company (Council, 2009). Later technologies saw the development of electric power that became more popular than wind power due to its ability to produce higher amounts of Watts need for various industrial uses. However, wind power got new applications that include lighting homes and providing power for wind mills. Today, large wind farms consist of many turbines that are connected to hydroelectric power system. The modern era is characterized by commercialization of wind energy. Private companies have identified wind energy as a potential source of renewable energy. Hence, they have embarked on its exploitation to sell it to industries that require high amounts of power for use. In this regard, wind energy has been exploited in many developed countries to contribute to their power generation. It is seen as suitable alternative to non-renewable energy sources that are increasingly becoming expensive and causing dangerous impacts to the environment (Zervos, 2003). The exploitation of wind energy is done on a higher scale to by companies that sell it or private organizations. This production is evident in the many large wind farms that have various turbines which generate wind power. The modern era is also characterized by high competition. The increasing demand for power, particularly the renewable sources of energy, has put pressure on companies that have capacities to exploit wind energy. These companies must compete and utilize available options for exploitation. Competition has led to competitive prices for wind power that has given consumers an opportunity to afford quality wind power options. The modern era has brought many changes in the supply of wind energy. Production of wind energy has been in a large scale. In some countries, the national power grid has been connected to the wind farms power system to increase the supply of energy. In so doing, these countries have been able to check on the cost of power. Since wind is air in motion, the movement of the air molecules is due to the presence of kinetic energy in them. The integration of the kinetic energies of the individual molecules forms wind energy. This energy is sufficient to turn turbines. A typical wind farm has several turbines that are similar in design and make (Weisser, 2003). The turbines have blades that rotate when the wind blows. 2.0. Advantages of Wind Energy The previous paragraphs have dwelt on the history of the wind energy system as well the working of the turbines. This part now focuses specifically on why we need wind energy. In short, it looks at the advantages of exploiting this form of power to serve various human needs. Indigenous and Homegrown Energy Source Wind energy is used in the United States to diversify the national energy portfolio. The US imports on oil and natural gas threatens the security of the economy. In this regard, measures are put in place to ensure other sources of energy. The national energy portfolio can be diversified if wind energy is utilized (Department of Energy, DE, 2011). The addition of wind energy will reduce the US reliance on imported energy. It would also serve the role of increasing the energy security. Provision of income Wind energy projects generate revenue for the communities in which the wind farms are located. In some cases, the lands are leased and the owners of the vast pieces of lands are paid. This increases the income of the people in these areas. Farmers and ranchers are able to lease their lands to the companies that construct the turbines at a fee while they grow livestock and keep crops. Turbines do not consume water Unlike other electronic power plants, wind energy does not require water to operate. This advantage enables it to be used in areas that perennially experience drought. Areas such as Western US are affected by limited rainfall, making it possible to utilize this source of energy. Achieving 20% energy by 2030 would reduce the amount of water that is used in the electronic sector by 8% (DE, 2011). Popular energy technology in some countries Cumulative wind power capacity in the US rose to an average of 30% per year. This figure is higher than the global capacity. Renewability Wind energy is a renewable source of energy. The implication of this statement is that there is no time human will ever run short of it. Wind has been in existence since the early days of man. It has the ability to recycle after it has been used for a long time. This advantage gives hope for the future generations because they can always have something to look forward to if other energy options fail. Environmentally friendly source of energy The use of wind energy has little consequences to the environment. Unlike other forms of non-renewable sources of energy that pose serious threats to environmental sustainability, wind energy involves the tapping of wind by use turbines (Martinot et al., 2002). It does not involve massive excavation of soil and leave it vulnerable. In this respect, it contributes to a cleaner environment since there are no greenhouse emissions released into the atmosphere. The turbines do not produce much noise compared to the rotating turbines in a hydro electric power plant. Thus, it is suitable for use in places that require maximum silence. Easy Turbine Maintenance It is efficient to use wind energy compared to the use of hydro electric power. This convenience is tied to the fact that an individual turbine can be easily repaired without shutting down other turbines. This repair does not involve closing the wind farm. This contrasts the use of hydro electric power in which a single fault in an electric line can lead to shutting the entire connections in a given region. Higher Capacities The turbines that are being used in the modern times have an enhanced capacity to 1MW mean. This can lead to an increase power output since a single wind farm can have a turbine capacity of close to 150 turbines (Burton et al. 2011). This means that the turbines can produce a power output of 150MW. Wind Farms can serve other Purposes Wind farms can be used for other purposes other than the generation of wind power. A wind farm can serve the same purpose as an agricultural land. Crop production can be carried out in a wind farm to produce food for the humans. This is possible because the turbines are erected high above the ground surface by means of the tower. A Hotter World The world is increasingly becoming hotter due to continued emission of the green gas. The global warming has been accompanied by far-reaching effects. Greenhouse gases emissions are major contributors. Thus, wind energy can help reduce the amount emission that enter into the atmosphere and contribute to a cooler world. It is an alternative to the use of fossil fuels. The reduction of these emissions is not only useful to the climate but also to the entire world that is grappling with myriad social and economic challenges. A Suitable Alternative The use of wind energy provides an alternative source of energy. Most European countries identify it as a means toward complying with the European Union Mission Trading Scheme that proposes the abolishment of non-renewable forms of energy to encourage a clean environment. Due to this commitment, the United Kingdom has undertaken initiatives that aim at cutting its greenhouse emissions by 20% in 2020 (Devin-Wright, 2005). These initiatives include the exploitation of other forms of energy such as wind and solar energy. Wind Energy is Cost-Effective Wind energy is touted to be a cost-friendly form of energy that industries and companies would need to rely on in the years to come. The technology involved in generating wind energy is cost-friendly and affordable by most companies. As part of energy diversification plans, it would be needful to embrace the best forms of energy to reduce the high cost of productions that has grossly affected energy markets in the world. Wider Distribution Unlike other forms of fuel, wind energy is spread throughout the world. The wind blows across the borders of nations. Consequently, they can resolve to exploit it for use. This can help reduce over dependence on non-renewable forms of energy that usually come with high prices due to their scarcity. For example, oil prices have been fluctuating from time to time due to changing global markets. Therefore, a resource that has a fair distribution globally can serve utilized to fill the gaps created by the elusive markets of non-renewable sources of energy. Denmark has taken advantage of the availability of wind to generate large amounts of electricity. It is estimated that more than one-third of the country’s electricity come from the wind. Other developed nations around the globe have joined the exploitation fray and are utilizing an equal opportunity that wind offers all nations. Due to these expansions, there have been rapid increases in capacities in nations that exploit this form of energy. Today, 4% of the global power is generated from the wind farms (Ackernann & Soder, 2002). Costs trends Wind energy system involves high construction costs. However, it has no fuel costs like other forms of energy. In this regard, wind power guarantees much stable prices in comparison with other forms of energy. This advantage is of great benefit to companies and industries that use large MW of electricity to enhance their production. It is ideal for these companies since they have the financial capacity to meet the installation costs and experience the benefit of not incurring further costs once the installation is complete. These companies can capitalize on this opportunity and exploit wind power for their maximum gains (Weisser, 2003). The prices of wind can withstand the volatile power prices in the world markets. Its cost per unit can only involve the costs of erecting the turbines as well as the facilities that are used to transmit it from the wind farms into the industries. Other components are not captured in the costs. The use of lower turbine technology has led to the development of lighter blades that have consequently reduced the cost of wind power while increasing the efficiency of power generation. The American Wind energy Association once stated that the cost of wind energy has gone down and had become cheaper than coal (Weisser, 2003). Job Creation The wind energy system has resulted into myriad community benefits. In the United States, it has created thousands of opportunities for young people to work in the wind farms and learn new skills on how to operate the turbines (Boyle, 2004). The provision of employment implies that the wind energy system is able to generate money to employ people to work in the industry. This money has contributed significantly to enhancing and increasing the economy of the United States. The projects involving wind strengthen economies in the remote areas. The system provides farmers with wind turbines for use in their lands and this helps to generate more income for them. 3.0. Disadvantages of Wind Energy This part explores the shortcomings of the use of wind as a source of energy. Wind energy is a proper way of generating power for use in homes and workplaces. The turbines are usually erected on a vertical and horizontal axis. Despite the many positive attributes tied to the use of wind energy, a number of disadvantages are associated with it. They include: Noise Disturbances There have been arguments that the turbines produce much noise especially on windy day. The noise emanates from the resistance that is generated when the course of the wind is interrupted by the rotating blades. The noise that is generated is a form of pollution that is said to be environmentally unfriendly (Sathyajith, 2006). Moreover, most wind farms are visible and cover vast areas of land. In most cases, they are erected on top of the hills so that they can tap the wind. The noisy nature of the turbines explains why these turbines are constructed away from homes and workplaces. Threat to wildlife The wind turbines are usually constructed in remote locations in vast pieces of land. There are high chances that these pieces of land are always close to habitats of wildlife. The noisy turbines have been a threat to the animals such as birds that live in the adjacent areas. These animals are sacred of noise. Studies reveal that animals perceive the turbines as a threat to their lives (Boyle, 2004). Consequently, they evade the turbines by going deep into other territories and interfere with other habitats. Unpredictability The flow of wind is always unpredictable. It depends on nature. In some cases, the wind energy is low that it cannot propel the turbines to produce power. The unpredictability nature of wind causes a lot of inconveniences especially in areas where most activities depend on it. Ideally, wind should be available to provide a continuous and uninterrupted source of wind to rotate the blades. The unpredictable nature of wind makes it unreliable for use. Thus, the use of wind energy must be accompanied by other sources of power. Most companies are forced to determine the layout of the turbine and its thrust curve for proper positioning during installation (Boyle, 2004) so that they may harness the available wind energy for use. Wind energy is suitable for use only in certain regions Even though it is available in some parts of the world, wind is most sufficient in some parts of the world where it exists in plenty. The coastal regions receive more wind that is sufficient to generate power. This is because of higher pressure differences that exist in these areas. Wind blows towards low pressure regions. Coastal areas, being lowlands, experience high wind intensity compared to highlands. In this regard, the performance of turbines in these areas is guaranteed (Burton et al., 2011). Countries that lack coastal areas may not be able to install proper wind power systems to generate their electricity. The location of the wind power system is necessary in determining whether it can perform. This makes it difficult for regions that do not enjoy high wind intensities to tap this resource. Good locations are, therefore, advised while determining the capacity of the turbines to generate electricity. Visual Implications In the United Kingdom, people have made various petitions in the courts that seek to compel various companies to consider relocating the proposed site for the construction of wind farms. Their argument has been that the turbines do not give desired visual experience. Installation Perhaps this factor explains why most countries are reluctant to adopt the wind energy system. Even though it is a fairly cheaper form of energy in the long run, the costs that accompany the installation of the wind energy system are high. Virtually no third world country has exploited this form of energy due to the high costs involved. The purchasing and installation of the turbines have far-reaching financial implications that is unbearable for these countries (Boyle, 2004). Variability Wind energy varies from time to time and cannot be depended upon. This variation depends on seasons. Power generation and usage is important as it helps to keep the strength of the electricity network. This implies that variation of power supply by the wind energy system presents a stability challenge. It may be difficult to put large quantity of wind power into the grid. Other challenges that may arise include fluctuating regulation costs and hindered level of penetration (Burton et al., 2011). Pollution Even though wind energy is hailed as one of the cleanest forms of energy, pollution is associated with manufacture of turbines. However little it may be, the pollution that is tied to the manufacture of wind turbines makes it a partial contributor to the greenhouse emission. Large wind farms needed Supplying a vast area of land with electricity requires large wind farms. The implication of this demand is that a lot of resources will be required to install these wind power systems. In essence, this may be economically and logistically involving. Studies reveal that the largest turbine has power output capacity that can serve up to 475 homes (Weisser, 2003). This number raises question on the number of turbines that would be needed to serve 1000 000 people. This statistics tells a lot about the ultimate possibility of installing the wind energy system to provide power for the people of an entire nation. In short, the use of wind energy for mass power production may pose interrelated disadvantages such as these. First, it would require a vast piece of land to construct the wind farm. The preparation of this piece of land would affect the habitat of the wildlife. Many turbines would have to be constructed which would trigger much noise and discomfort to people in the neighborhood. Additionally it would create an undesirable picture and trigger more court disputes between the owners of the plant and the surrounding people. For it to make an impact, the wind energy system should produce power that is equivalent or more than the fossil fueled power station (Weisser, 2003). Many people feel that the countryside should be left aside while constructing wind farmers to allow people enjoy its beauty. There have been various protests in countries that produce this form of energy against the intention of respective agencies to interfere with the existing peace in the countryside. They have always resisted the proposed construction of the wind farms on the ground that doing so would interfere with the prevailing peace in the countryside. Even though these disadvantages are real, they do not override the advantages of the wind energy system. The ultimate goal for most players in the energy sector should be on enhancing conditions that would trigger international response towards affordable investment in the wind energy system. The subsequent paragraphs focus on the challenges that affect the future development of wind energy resource. 4.0.Status of Wind Technology Today The United States is one of the leading nations that exploit wind energy. By the beginning of 2008, the country installed over 5000MW of wind energy. This figure added to an existing wind energy capacity of 11604MW (Boyle 20004). This high production is attributed to the abundance of offshore wind resources. It is estimated that the potential of wind energy of the US can supply power needs for the whole country. Despite this tremendous growth in production, the wind energy consumption of the United States only counts for 26.9% (Boyle 2004). The ratings of the turbines have been impressive for the last two decades. The ratings of the current commercial machines indicated that the high wind power generation has a direct correlation with the high rating of the turbines. The inspiration behind developing larger and effective turbines points to the advantage that the wind provides. The towers are erected high above to tap the fast wind. The United States has increased its capacity for wind production by customizing the size of the turbines to suit specific needs. The modifications have also been effected on the blades. For example, reports indicated that US engineers scaled the size of the blades form 3 to 2.3 (Council, 2009). This is said to have lowered high costs of production without necessarily reducing the work power of the blades. These improvements in the turbines place the United States at a strategic position to exploit these resources. 5.0.Future Challenges of Developing Wind Energy Resource A number of challenges pose threats in the development of wind energy resource. These threats include: Inadequate supply of Turbines The developed countries like the United States and Europe have made major investments in wind energy system. These investments have seen a dramatic demand in the turbines and its components to aid in the wind energy production process. This shortage of turbines has consequently led to a dramatic increase in the demand. The demand and supply factors have come to play. The result of this shortage is the increasing demand the increasing cost of constructing wind energy systems (Zervos, 2003). The implication of the demand and supply factors in this respect is that most countries will explore other alternative forms of energy and will disregard the possibility of wind energy. Consequently, the development of wind energy would not be fully exploited by various countries that enjoy its potentiality. Weakening Dollar The U.S. dollar has continually performed dismally against the Euro. This weakening dollar has affected price factor since Europe exports the components of the turbines to the United States and the rest of the world. The weakening dollar implies an unbalanced trade hence the construction of the wind energy system would be hindered by this unpredictability of the US dollar against the Euro. Rising Cost of Material Elsewhere in the world, there has been a steady rise in the costs of construction material. The wind farm system relies heavily on steel and copper whose prices have skyrocketed. This rise implies that the overall costs of installation of the wind power system would be high, hence high costs of wind power per unit. In this regard, companies that will endeavor to exploit this resource will do so at greater economic risks. First, in the event that there will be high production costs, the companies will be forced to raise the cost of a unit of power. Depending on the future economic conditions, consumers will choose to buy according to their means. This implies that consumers would buy commodities that will be price-friendly and will deny these companies the much needed purchasing power. Second, in the event of losses, the companies would collapse due to inability to sustain themselves. The Tax Regime In the past, the tax regimes on the wind energy production hindered most industries from exploiting the resource. The tax regimes may prevent future investments on turbine facilities. Unless governments that are interested in future exploitation of wind energy resolve to reduce the taxes on exploiting agencies, the future of wind energy technology may be deemed by unhealthy tax systems. However, wind energy systems have high possibilities for development. For example, the US and the EU countries are committing to cutting the amount of carbon that goes into the air due to emissions of greenhouse gasses. This reduction can only be achieved if other safer alternatives are exploited. This reduction plan will covered implemented for the next 20 years. Studies by the Wind Energy Association assessed the chances of generating 20% of the nation’s energy from wind (Heier, 2014). The study assessed various aspects of exploitation that include the environmental and site issues, materials and resources as well as transmission and integration of the system to the national grid. The study found out a high possibility of seeking wind energy alternative. Further reports indicated that the wind energy production is technically feasible and does not contribute to degradation of the environment. The United States future with wind energy is promising if all factors are taken into consideration such as resource availability and cost of materials. 6.0. The Future of wind energy In my view, I foresee a future of great possibilities for wind energy. The world is rapidly adopting safer technologies that can guarantee sustainable development. Humans will have to live with the reality of sustainable production. The use of non-renewable sources of energy has posed significant threats to the existence of man. With gradual reduction of the amount of carbon emission, countries will embrace other forms of energy. Wind energy will play a crucial role in complimenting other forms of energy that are being exploited for use. Irrespective of the cost of production, it is indubitable that nations will find wind energy an indispensable source of energy. 7.0. Conclusion From the study, it is indubitable that wind energy plays a pivotal role in sustainable development. It poses minimal threat environmental sustainability since it provides a clean source of energy. It has reduced unemployment levels by creating thousands of opportunities for farmers, ranchers and providing high-paying jobs in various fields. These fields include the turbine manufacturing plants, maintenance and operation of turbines, construction of turbines as well as their installation, transportations and logistics, legal services and maintenance. The wind energy system generates huge amount of money in the economy of a nation. For example, it generated $10billion in the economy of the United States (DE, 2011). Due to inexhaustible nature, this energy source is plenty and reliable for use in homes and industries. Due to its benefits, many people have embraced it. It offers a suitable alternative that can be harnessed to replace exhaustible sources such as oil and coal. In so doing, wind energy can help reduce the threats of pollution that the non-renewable energy sources present and contribute effectively to a sustainable environment. 7.0. References Ackermann, T., & Söder, L. (2002). An overview of wind energy-status 2002.Renewable and sustainable energy Reviews, 6(1), 67-127. Print. Boyle, G. (2004). Renewable energy. OXFORD university press. Print. Burton, T., Jenkins, N., Sharpe, D., & Bossanyi, E. (2011). Wind energy handbook. John Wiley & Sons. Print. Council, G. W. E. (2009). Global wind 2008 report. Global Wind Energy Council, Brussels, Belgium, and Greenpeace, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Print. Devine‐Wright, P. (2005). Beyond NIMBYism: towards an integrated framework for understanding public perceptions of wind energy. Wind energy, 8(2), 125-139. Print. Heier, S. (2014). Grid integration of wind energy. John Wiley & Sons. Print. Martinot, E., Chaurey, A., Lew, D., Moreira, J. R., & Wamukonya, N. (2002). Renewable energy markets in developing countries. Annual Review of Energy and the Environment, 27(1), 309-348. Print. Sathyajith, M. (2006). Wind energy: fundamentals, resource analysis and economics. Springer. U.S. Department of Energy, DE. (2011). Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Retrieved from http://www1.eere.energy.gov/wind/pdfs/49053.pdf Weisser, D. (2003). A wind energy analysis of Grenada: an estimation using the ‘Weibull’density function. Renewable Energy, 28(11), 1803-1812. Print. Zervos, A. (2003). Developing wind energy to meet the Kyoto targets in the European Union. Wind Energy, 6(3), 309-319. Print. Read More