VIII. Wind Energy

A. Definition 1. Produced by turbines spun by wind called aerogenerators 2. One of the oldest forms of energy a. Used to grind grain and pump water b. 1 st electrical generating built in Cleveland in the late 1800’s 3. Have built in adaptations to deal with fluctuation in wind

4. Usually built in groups called wind farms 5. Energy increases as a square of wind velocity a. If factor in power, becomes a cube 6. Fastest increasing sector a. Suggested could supply US demand 7 Heavily looking into offshore sites a. Great Lakes popularly discussed

B. Upsides/Downsides 1. Benefits a. No emissions after installation 1. eliminate ~5,000 tons of carbon per day b. Produce 23x’s energy require c. Can produce self-sufficiency d. In farming allows double use of land

2. Disadvantages a. Wind is intermittent 1. need to be paired or stored b. Can be regionally ineffective c. Aesthetic reasons d. Harm to flying animals