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In today's dynamic world, the discourse around energy sources has become a focal point, given the escalating global demand. Traditionally, humanity has harnessed energy from nonrenewable resources like coal and natural gas, resulting in both resource depletion and environmental pollution. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, a shift towards renewable energy, particularly sources like solar and wind, becomes imperative. Among these, wind energy emerges as a rising star, offering sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
Wind power, with its roots stretching back many centuries, has undergone steady evolution over the last 100 years.
The United States witnessed a significant chapter between 1870-1930 when farmers utilized wind energy to pump water (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2009.) Although modern wind turbines are more sophisticated, their fundamental operation remains akin to their historical counterparts. The kinetic energy generated by air particles in the wind is captured by the turbines, a process that has stood the test of time (Layton, 2011.)
At the core of wind power lies the operational brilliance of modern wind turbines.
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The turbines, equipped with small computers interpreting weather data, dynamically adjust their orientation to constantly face the wind source (U.S. Dept. of Energy, 2011.) As the wind hits the turbine blades, designed unevenly in size, they initiate a rotation around the turbine's center. This rotation is then transmitted to a shaft inside the turbine, setting in motion a series of gears at high-speed revolutions, ultimately generating electricity. Taller turbines are preferred to capture higher wind speeds effectively.
Wind power is quantified in gigawatts (GW), and its electricity production is measured in gigawatt-hours (GWh).
The conversion process adheres to the 1st Law of Thermodynamics, where energy undergoes conversion but isn't created or destroyed. The kinetic energy from the wind source efficiently transforms into electricity through the turbine's operation. Adhering to the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, wind energy transitions from a concentrated state to the system, ultimately converted into electricity. A notable example illustrating these principles is the Fowler Ridge Wind Farm near Lafayette, IN, comprising over 300 turbines with a capacity of approximately 600 MW, and still expanding.
Wind power's appeal extends beyond its technical prowess to its positive environmental impact. In stark contrast to fossil fuel energy systems, wind power minimizes pollution during energy transfer. While concerns about the visual impact of turbine farms exist, primarily regarding their size and potential interference with migrating birds, the overall environmental cost remains low. Economically, wind power boasts affordability, averaging a mere 4 cents/kWh in 2008 (Union, 2009.) The United States, in 2008, witnessed wind power contributing over 25,000 MW, sufficient to power more than 6 million homes. Globally, the figure exceeded 120,000 MW (Union, 2009.)
The statistics underline the tangible impact of wind power on a global and national scale. In the United States, the production reached 25,000 MW in 2008, a testament to the growing significance of this renewable energy source. Globally, the delivery of over 120,000 MW of wind energy in the same year signified a collective step towards sustainable energy solutions (Union, 2009.)
Anticipating the future trajectory, it's important to remember escalating concerns surrounding environmental health and the depletion of nonrenewable energy sources. A promising projection suggests that by 2013, global wind power capacity could nearly triple, reaching approximately 332 GW (Union, 2009.) This projection underscores the pivotal role wind power is poised to play in the future energy landscape. In conclusion, wind power emerges not just as a rapidly evolving source of renewable energy but as a viable and sustainable solution with minimal environmental costs.
Wind Power: A Sustainable Solution for Global Energy Demand. (2016, Jun 13). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/wind-renewable-energy-essay
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