...the wind resource Q1 - Weather and climate [8 marks] a In less than 100 words, explain the difference between how climate and weather influence thewind regime of a given location.[4 marks] Climate is the long-term description of variations of temperature and wind while weather is the short-term description. Climate is classified as the average and typical range of different variables, while weather is the state of atmosphere for day to day. Climate is what you expect, weather is what your get. A designer use climate data to design the capacity of wind farm, actually weather determines the actual power output in a given period. b Consider Fig. 1. This figure is produced by taking a long timeseries of wind speed data fora given location and analysing it to determine what timescales (or frequencies) areassociatedwith the most prominent variations in wind speed. The x-axis measures period (or frequency)and the y-axis measures \Spectral Density", which in this context just means how prominenta given timescale/frequency is in producing variations in wind speed. In 100 words or less explain the shape of the graph. In 50 words or less, explain theimplicationsfor a wind farm operator.[4 marks] The spectrum – frequency diagram measures the variations of wind speed. The peak of the wave indicates a significant change in wind speed over the corresponding time period. The four peaks mean: seasonal wind speed change in a year, wind speed change in few days (4), day and night wind speed...
Words: 3839 - Pages: 16
...discussing the topic of wind energy. The reading starts out by mentioning the wind is good and it is a renewable resource. The wind is available everywhere. In United States, 20 percent of the electricity could be provided by wind power. However, the speaker argues by mentioning the amount of energy produced by wind power, it is unpredictable because it can spread out. Wind power does not generate if wind is not strong enough. Moreover, not everywhere that turbine for generator can be installed. The reading continues by bringing up the point of the cost of wind energy. Wind energy is affordable compare to coal, oil, and gas because the wind is free. Alternatively, the speaker once again resists this idea by the initial investment for produce wind energy is expensive. A generator for produce wind energy needs location and land that big enough for a machine. Land is very expensive and hard to find. Furthermore, a generator will be built in a farm far from the city. It needs to build a transmission line to transfer the energy from farm to city. These can cost a large amount of money. The final point made by the reading is wind power is safe and environmentally friendly. The wind energy does not cause greenhouse gases or other pollutants. Comparing to other source of fuel such as coal, oil, and gases, wind is cleaner. So, it helps reduce causes of global warming and it will lead to better health of populations. Whereas, the speaker says that wind energy has a negative impact on...
Words: 286 - Pages: 2
...WIND ENERGY I. Concept: _ Wind is the movement of air from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure. In fact, wind exists because the sun unevenly heats the surface of the Earth. As hot air rises, cooler air moves in to fill the void. As long as the sun shines, the wind will blow. And as long as the wind blows, people will harness it to power their lives. _ The terms "wind energy" or "wind power" describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity to power homes, businesses, schools, and the like. II. Operating principle: _ Wind power is extracted from air flow using wind turbines or sails to produce mechanical or electrical power. Ancient mariners used sails to capture the wind and explore the world. Farmers once used windmills to grind their grains and pump water. Today, more and more people are using wind turbines to wring electricity from the breeze. Over the past decade, wind turbine use has increased at more than 25 percent a year. _ Most wind energy comes from turbines that can be as tall as a 20-story building and have three 200-foot-long (60-meter-long) blades. These contraptions look like giant airplane propellers on a stick. The wind spins the blades, which turn a shaft connected to a generator that produces electricity. Other turbines work the...
Words: 1420 - Pages: 6
...1 INTRODUCTION TO WIND ENERGY........................................................................................................1 1.1 What is wind energy..................................................................................................................................1 1.2 Why use wind energy ................................................................................................................................1 Why choose wind over conventional fuel sources .........................................................................1 1.2.2 Why choose wind over other renewable energy technologies............................................................1 1.3 The history and rise of wind energy ..........................................................................................................2 1.3.1 The first windmills were for mechanical power generation ...............................................................2 1.3.2 Electrical power generation ................................................................................................................3 1.4 Wind energy in Australia ..........................................................................................................................6 1.5 Wind energy in the future..........................................................................................................................7 1.5.1 Onshore wind energy ...............................................
Words: 15934 - Pages: 64
...Wind Energy 1 Wind Energy Customer Inserts His/Her Name Customer Inserts Grade Course Customer Inserts Tutor’s Name 12, April, 2012 Wind Energy 2 Outline 1. Introduction 2. Advantages 3. Disadvantages 4. Conclusion Wind Energy 3 Introduction In light of concern owing to depletion of fossil based fuels it is emerging that wind energy is receiving considerable thought as a solution to the looming energy crisis. The Australian Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Renewable Energy (ACRE) was established in July 1996 with a goal of undertaking research on issues of power generation, storage and conditioning, energy efficiency, system integration and policy analysis (Smith 2008). The goal of the Australian government to attain a renewable energy target of 2% by the year 2010 caused a dramatic interest in wind energy within the country (Paulson 2001). Advantages With the current focus on global climate issues wind energy has been found to be very advantageous as it is produced naturally (Wagner & Mathur 2009). The process of production involves manipulation of a naturally available resource (wind power) and thus does not pollute the air. It is known that power plant rely on combustion of fossil fuels and thus pollute the environment. Turbines do not produce any pollutants (Wagner & Mathur 2009). Another advantage with wind energy is that unlike fossil fuels which are geographically isolated to specific regions, wind energy is available in almost all regions of the world (Wagner...
Words: 645 - Pages: 3
...producing carbon dioxide which is a destructive greenhouse gas, it has historically dragged its feet when it comes to alternative energy. Wind energy is arguably the most important alternative energy source currently available. It is relativity inexpensive, abundant, and climate-benign, and most importantly, inexhaustible. By 2020, wind energy is expected to provide for half of Europe’s energy needs. The world’s wind-generating capacity is currently growing by 29 percent a year. Figueroa 2 According to a study conducted by the Department of Energy, the states of North Dakota, Kansas, and Texas alone receive enough wind to provide electricity for the entire nation. By the same token, offshore wind farms could provide enough energy to power the entire nation. Wind energy systems require very little maintenance, and could potentially produce electricity for as little as $0.02 per kilowatt-hour. The average US household consumes about 10,000 KWh of electricity each year. Fact, a 250-kw turbine installed at the elementary school in Spiril Lace, Iowa, provides an average of 350,000 KWh of electricity per year, more than is necessary for the 53,000-square-foot school. We have the potential to generate enough energy to meet our needs in such a way that is beneficial to both humanity and the environment. So why are we not developing wind power concept sooner rather than later? Figueroa 3 Authors: Morley, David C., and Rich, Alex K....
Words: 348 - Pages: 2
...China’s Wind Industry China’s Wind Industry Members of Group * ASSIM A IREH Roméo * DJOUBI TEMCHE Gilles Adam * DYER Claude Members of Group * ASSIM A IREH Roméo * DJOUBI TEMCHE Gilles Adam * DYER Claude * * * INTRODUCTION * * * Fully aware of the environmental issues coming with a rapid and intensive economic growth, the Chinese government has made of green energy a top priority. The latest Chinese five year plan sets strong goals in that regard. And wind energy plays a key role in the promotion of green energies. Harvard researchers have put forward that wind power could account for the totality of energy use in China within two decades (Michael B. McElroy). Wind energy could even provide 24 700 TWh of electricity annually which is seven times the current Chinese consumption. China has become the leading power in the field of wind energy. Once leader in that field with a production of 40 GW, the US have been surpassed by China with a production of 42,3 GW in 2010. As the growth in certain countries has considerably slowed down due to the global financial crisis (minus 50% in the US), China’s wind energy market has continued to soar. According to Li Junfeng, secretary general of China Renewable Energy Industry Association (CREIA), China could reach a production of 200 GW by 2020. Even though China’s market is developing incredibly quickly and that the Chinese market offers huge opportunities for Chinese and international...
Words: 1389 - Pages: 6
...would happen to our world if our energy unexpectedly disappeared? Fossil fuels are very important to our world because they provide an overwhelming majority of our world energy. So, what happens when they run out? As the world enters a new century, new source of energy such as wind power need to be used more to help the world keep running on all cylinders. According to the American Wind Energy Association, “Wind power captures the natural wind in our atmosphere and converts it into mechanical energy then electricity. People started using wind power centuries ago with windmills, which pumped water, ground grain, and did other work. Today's wind turbine is a highly evolved version of a windmill. Modern wind turbines harness wind's kinetic energy and convert it into electricity.” Although wind turbines are always reliable, we should invest is wind energy because it creates safer jobs, it does not pollute, and will get more than your investment back. If you invest properly in wind power today and take advantage of any grants and tax incentives, even if your electric rates do not go up as they are forecast too, you will get your money back over time, well within the lifetime of the equipment, and sooner if there is a rate increase in the future. There are also environmental benefits. At one time there was an argument that a wind turbine will never produce as much power as was used to manufacture it. First of all, this is not correct. The, "Embodied Energy," in a turbine is earned back...
Words: 1423 - Pages: 6
...other sources of energy in the near future, like wind power or solar power. These changes would also help reduce the amounts of greenhouse (A gas in the atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range) gasses being emitted into the air, which would help slow down the effects of global warming. Wind is air in motion (Casper), and wind power is a large percent of current energy produced. It can help reduced emitted greenhouse gasses and slow down the effects of global warming. The global wind energy potential is roughly five times current global electricity use (Flavin). Also the price of wind generated energy fell more steeply than any other energy source over the past 30 years (Burnett). The cost of wind power fell from approximately 25 cents per kilowatt per hour (kwh) in the early 1980s to between 5 cents and 7 cents per kwh (Burnett). Advocates argue that a new generation of turbines will bring down the cost to below 5 cents per kwh (Burnett). This would make it much easier for people to be able to afford it. Wind power could provide as much as 6 percent of the nation’s energy (Burnett). It is currently providing less than 1% of the U.S. power supply but could double its shares within 10 years (Burnett). Furthermore, wind power plants receive accelerated depreciation (Burnett). As of 2006, wind power was the cheapest form of large scale electric generation to install (Lerner). This led to the growth of wind power plants. Wind power is the earliest...
Words: 1058 - Pages: 5
...able to gather for energy purposes. Some are more eco-friendlier than others. Man has learned that its next major energy source needs to be safe for the environment causing minimal harm to the environment. Everyone is becoming environment-friendly and is looking for options that will help in the upkeep of the environment. Many are interested in the source of renewable energy so that natural resources are not diminished. There are many alternatives in the market to choose from. Wind turbines are one of alternatives (Linzmeier, 2009). Now the question that comes to mind is, is wind energy green? Wind turbines produce cleaner energy & bring no hazardous effects to the atmosphere by giving any pollutant emissions; however, it does come with casualties. As the U.S. energy industry inches away from dependence on fossil fuels, experts have announced various greener technologies, such as ethanol, solar and geothermal power, as choice alternatives. And while each of those options holds recognizable environmental gains over oil and coal, none compare to wind power’s squeaky clean performance (Conger, 2010). Mark Jacobson an engineer at Stanford University states that after compiling evidence of major energy technologies and environmental impact, wind comes out on top. Jacobson and associates from University of California drafted a blueprint for switching 100 percent of the world’s energy to renewable sources. Wind energy was in the forefront...
Words: 2789 - Pages: 12
...Research Topic: Wind Energy and Sense of Place Feeling comfortable in different cities and communities may mean different things to different people. There are many reasons someone may feel uncomfortable in a certain location and through designing a research topic that helps to look at how windmills can affect someone’s sense of place. Through wind energy and sense of place I want to look at how wind energy can affect how people feel within a community. Sense of place can be affected by how someone feels that their health may be at risk, noise pollution, or other people in their life’s opinions on certain topics. With this research topic I also want to investigate if the way windmills appear to a person will change how they feel near them....
Words: 1884 - Pages: 8
...Wind Power as an Alternative Energy Source Although fossil fuels drive our economy, it is rather expensive and significantly contributes to pollution (Lad 2). A few alternatives include hydroelectricity, solar energy, and wind. Solar and hydroelectric energy are good choices, but can be relatively costly (“Top 5 Misconceptions of Solar Energy” 5), (“Hydro Electricity”). Wind, on the other hand, is free and available in most areas. However, wind power has not been fully utilized in the United States. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of wind power in order to bring to light its usefulness as an alternative energy solution. Uses Wind power can be used to generate electricity, charge batteries, grind grain, etc. (Deshmukh 3). Turbines can be used alone or on a wind farm and can also be connected to a utility power grid to sell electricity back to the power company. According to the literature, wind technologies are most useful in the Midwest and along the coast. Pros and Cons Although wind turbines can kill birds and be damaged in severe storms (Deshmukh 11), wind turbines can provide many advantages. For example, wind turbines can harness the power of the wind, producing electricity, charging batteries, etc. Unlike fossil fuels, wind power consumes no fuel, and emits no air pollution. In addition, wind can be accessible in nearly all areas. Types There are several types of wind turbines, each having its own set of advantages and disadvantages...
Words: 463 - Pages: 2
...The Technological Innovation System Case study on the Danish Wind Energy System Questions 1 and 2: The two most important scientific journals that publish theoretical work on Innovation Systems: The two most important scientific papers are research policy with 330 published articles about innovation systems and technological forecasting and social change with 364 published articles on innovation systems. These two journals have the most articles published on Innovation systems and the biggest journal impact factor. The 3 most cited papers that cite the paper by Malerba, and their main research question: First reference: Geels, F.W. , (2004) From sectoral systems of innovation to socio-technical systems: Insights about dynamics and change from sociology and institutional theory, Research Policy, 33 (6-7), pp. 897-920. (Cited 380 times) Main research question: How can widening the unit of analysis from the sectoral system into an socio-technical system and conceptualize the dynamic interplay between actors, structures and institutions. Second reference: Tödtling, F., Trippl, M. (2005) One size fits all?: Towards a differentiated regional innovation policy approach, Research Policy, 34 (8), pp. 1203-1219. (Cited 294 times) Main research question: How can we construct an innovation policy for regions where innovation activities are strongly different between central, peripheral and old industrial areas Third reference: Bergek, A., Jacobsson, S...
Words: 2877 - Pages: 12
...“Not In Anyone’s Backyard” – A case analysis of Cape Wind Offshore Energy Project Introduction First proposed in 2001 as America’s first offshore wind farm, the Cape Wind offshore energy project was projected to provide three quarters of the electrical needs of the Massachusetts Cape and Islands. Yet, only on April 28th 2013 did United States Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announce federal approval of the Cape Wind project. But what was the cause for this delay? The harnessing of wind power is neither a new idea, as the use of windmills began in the 9th century in Iran (Guardian, 2008), nor a particularly new technology, as windmills were first used for the generation of electrical power in Glasgow, Scotland in 1887. In this paper I intend to analyze the various challenges faced by the Cape Wind Energy Project in its 12 year push for approval. On May 9th, 2013, the Earth reached a milestone of sorts. For the first time in an estimated 3 million years, the carbon dioxide (CO2) reached an average daily concentration level of about 400 parts per million (ppm). For some perspective, while CO2 levels have fluctuated from 180ppm to 280ppm, “the last time CO2 levels reached 400 ppm was at least 3 million years ago, a much warmer world where sea levels were 60-80 feet higher” (Levy, 2013). As carbon dioxide is recognized as the primary green house gas emitted through human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, there is little doubt in assigning responsibility for...
Words: 2553 - Pages: 11
...Specific Purpose: I want to persuade my audience into wearing a seatbelt to drastically improve their chances of surviving a car accident. Proposition Statement: You should always wear a seatbelt. Introduction: Lying in the morgue or a hospital bed is not the way we would like to see ourselves. Why then do so many drivers refuse to use safety belts when traveling by car? There are thousands of families affected yearly due to the loss of family members in car accidents. It is about time we encourage every driver to be safe and buckle up. CHANGE SLIDE Transition: Many people simply do not realize the increase in survival rates among those wearing seatbelts involved in car accidents. I. Wearing a seat belt drastically increases your chance of surviving a car crash. a. STATISTIC: According to a 2007 study from the U.S department of Transportation, every 14 seconds someone is injured in traffic accidents in this country, and on average someone dies every 13 minutes. b. Many of the young and inexperienced drivers cannot be persuaded into getting in the habit of wearing their seatbelts, and it might be due to the belief of invincibility. i. STATISTIC: The statistics published in the 2008 Traffic Safety Annual Assessment, point out that teens have by far the highest fatality rates of motor vehicle crashes, more than any other age group. ii. CURRENT EVENT: A couple of weeks ago on October 20, 17 year old Veronica Herold from Fountain Inn, South Carolina died...
Words: 423 - Pages: 2
