Wed 12th Aug, 2009
Wind Energy Conversion Systems: Learn The Facts Here
Discover the different types of wind energy conversion systems and find out how they can be used for your advantage.
Definition and Technique of Production of Wind Energy and Description of the major wind energy conversion systems
Different factors related to the environment contribute to the production of wind energy, which, incidentally, is a type of solar power. The surface of Earth is not uniform, and hence is not equally warmed by sunrays. As such, certain areas become warmer than other regions. In these warmer parts, the air, which is lighter (with less density), moves upwards. This motion of the warm air results in the creation of a void. This space is soon occupied by cooler air from the nearby cold regions. Wind is the term used to describe this movement. Motion energy, or kinetic energy, is generated by these movements of air. Wind energy can be obtained by capturing and processing this kinetic energy, via mechanical methods. Wind energy turbines and wind mills are the two wind energy conversion units that are used in the present day.
The different wind energy conversion systems
Wind energy conversion systems are commonly used to generate electricity and mechanical power by processing wind energy, as and when required. Among the two systems of conversion of wind energy named above, electricity is produced by energy turbines. Wind mills are used to create mechanical power. A study of the efficiency and cost effectiveness of these two conversion units is required. For that, we need a clear insight into the working mechanisms of these systems.
A simple process marks the way of functioning of wind turbines. Such a wind turbine typically has a rotor, to which two or three blades are attached. A main shaft is used, to which this rotor is now fixed. The shaft can spin a generator. The whole process results in the production of electricity. For effective production of electric power, wind turbines are generally set at raised levels, at a height of around 100 feet (or, thirty meters) from the ground surface. The velocity of wind flow is higher at such altitudes and is less roiling as well. Hence, a desirable amount of output can be obtained. On the other hand, the number of blades of a wind mill determines the efficiency with which the latter can produce mechanical energy. The amount of output generated also depends on the speed at which wind blows in a particular region. In terms of their functions, windmills are divided into different types, like tjaskers and wind pumps. A wind mill that has the capacity to pump out water from a well and/or a draining land is called a wind pump. Currently, these wind pumps are commonly used for providing drinking water to cattles. Human beings can also benefit from the water generated by these pumps. On the other hand, at places where the requirement is for a low head, drainage wind has to be used in order to obtain water. This function is performed by tjaskers. A comparative study of these two wind energy converting units is necessary to determine which among the two has a higher efficiency, and involves less spending of money as well.
Wind energy systems: How advantageous are they?
Wind energy systems use wind flow as their fuel. Now, wind is a free resource that can be easily obtained without any additional cost. This factor itself contributes to the growth in usage of wind energy. There are no risks of air pollution associated with using wind energy conversion units, since the latter do not emit any harmful and environmentally degrading greenhouse gas. This is in sharp contrast to the conventional energy plants, which resulted in the release of greenhouse gases, caused acid rains, and damaged the quality of the different layers of the earth’s atmosphere. Also, wind is a freely renewable energy source, since it cannot get exhausted as long as the earth continues to receive sunrays. Only a tiny part of the total land area leased by farmers for the installation of the wind energy units is actually taken up by the system. A steady flow of income (from these lease agreements) can be ensured for the farmers. Ranches in the village areas are considered to be the best spots for setting up wind turbines. Hence, the turbines are mostly set up at such places.
Despite there are manifold benefits of these wind energy systems, the latter has a notable downside too. Wind flow is an involuntary phenomenon which can be rather irregular, not reaching the required places within the scheduled time. Also, these wind energy units should ideally be built at sites located far away from posh areas. Thus, the places that actually need the electricity from these plants might not get it.
The popularity of the wind energy conversion systems is, however, consistently on the rise. This increase in the usage of wind energy is present even in the face of the disadvantages stated above.
Benefits pertaining to finance, ecology, and many other realms can be enjoyed by using the wind energy conversion systems. Hence, it is recommended that you should install such a system in your house. An instruction manual would help you a lot in doing so. Such a manual would let you know exactly where you should install the system in your house, its system of wires and the relevant measures for safety. The availability of free batteries as well as relatively cheaper components of these systems is also discussed. Browsing through such a manual can make the installation of a wind energy conversion system a rather easy process.