Using Wind to Power Our World
Wind is something we experience every day. It can cool us down, lift
a kite, or ruin a great hairdo. However, what most people don't realize
is just how effective wind could be as a power source. From the first
windmills up until today, people have learned to harness the power of
the wind to help make their lives easier. In fact, today's inventors are
trying even harder to come up with new ways to use one of the Earth's
most readily available renewable resources.
The most common wind-related invention is the wind turbine. A turbine
has rotating blades that are spun by the wind's power. These generate
electricity, which can be transferred to generators and batteries. On
large-scale wind farms, multiple turbines produce enough energy to
distribute to consumers. However, turbines are not as efficient as other
energy generating options. They are subject to specific weather
conditions and cannot produce a large excess of energy.
In China, wind turbines have been taken one step further. The nation has
instituted the world's first MagLev wind generators. Compared to
traditional turbines, these devices can produce up to twenty percent
more energy. Part of this is due to the lower wind speeds required to
operate these turbines. They also require lower operating costs and can
help wind farms reduce expenses by as much as fifty percent. The goal is
to use these turbines in areas with a limited power supply as well as to
supplement devices like street lamps.
Rooftop wind turbines are also under development by many companies.
These could be used to offset power costs for individual homes. The key
is to create a turbine that is small, quiet, and efficient. Proposals
focus on models without rotating blades. Thus far, the most promising
developments seem to come from two Australian inventors who have
received government funding for their projects. Under ideal conditions,
these generators could ultimately allow homes to be self-sufficient.
Thus, they would not require electricity from traditional power grids.
Small wind-powered generators would also be used in rural areas or poor
nations where electricity i currently lacking.
Another innovative inventor is trying to use kites to harness wind
power. A man from New Zealand believes his idea could revolutionize the
world of wind energy. He plans to send kites up to one thousand meters
into the air and use the spinning of their tethers to create power. His
kite generators could be seventy-five percent cheaper than current
turbines. However, their usage would be limited to areas where planes do
not fly.
Wind power is not just being developed into a viable alternative to
power buildings and lights. It may also be possible to use wind to help
provide energy for electric vehicles. To do this, a wind turbine would
be added to a vehicles air scoop. This would be connected to a
generator, which would then transfer energy to the vehicle's existing
battery structure. Ultimately, this would help replenish electricity
stores while the vehicle is moving.
Wind may also be able to help people power their portable electronics,
like cell phones. These mini-generators are small enough to fit in the
palm of your hand. They can even be attached to a bicycle for added
efficiency. At least one variety can even be combined with solar power
to generate energy. Energy can then be transferred using a USB plug or
other adapter. Similar innovations include a small turbine that can
actually be attached to a cellular phone while it is in use. This would
provide it with enough energy to keep functioning while its owner is on
the move.
Other designers are working to perfect wind-powered heating devices. On
a smaller scale, wind would be used to power space heaters at campsites
and rural villages. It could also be used to heat water in plumbing
units through a wind-powered heating pump. On a larger scale, wind could
be used to power the heaters farmers use to dry wheat. This would reduce
agricultural energy costs and give farmers, who were the first to
harness the wind using windmills, another way to use this natural
resource.
Ultimately, the wind is one resource that will never dry up. We have an
infinite supply of it and are learning to use that to benefit societies
around the world. With a bit more research and development, we could be
on our way to a wind-powered revolution. |
