Many people are interested and conscious of the need to convert to a cleaner more abundant form of energy sources such as wind power. And because of the many misconceptions regarding the current standards of wind power turbines and windmills facts are unclear.
This is not a system which someone living in an apartment or track housing neighborhood would benefit from. The facts about residential wind power are eye opening to the position of technological advancement and just how far we have come as well as how far we have to go.
Depending upon your location you may not be able to reap the benefits of using wind power sources. Since the required lot size is no less than 1 acre this eliminates a great number of homes that can not benefit from this renewable source of energy. Although over the past 20 years the wind farms have increased to produce a broader range of electrical production, it is still confined to rural areas.
On average typical electrical usage for a single family home ranges from 750 k/w/h to 800k/w/h per month. Depending upon the residential lot size as well as the typical wind speeds the standard size of wind power turbine required to facilitate the necessary electrical output the standard type of wind power turbine would be a 5-15 kilowatt system on an 80-100 foot tower. Since it is recommended to use standard gird utility in addition to the wind power turbines because of the variations in wind speed, it may be more effective to utilize both systems rather than solely relying on the wind power system alone.
The production of residential wind powered energy is much like the standard utility grid system, wind powered electricity is delivered to surrounding homes from a wind farm by means of power lines which feed directly into a power support box, typically located on the outside of most homes. With the advancements of technology all services are automatically switched between wind power electricity and standard utility gird electricity. Therefore a full automated system operates the production of electricity to every home on the wind farms gird.
Understanding that over the years the transition and advancements of wind power energy has greatly grown from the first models used in the early 80’s. However this system has not upgraded to the point that wind power energy can be delivered to inter cities and/or small propertied residents. The facts about residential wind power, is a massive number of residents have yet to benefit from the technology advances.
Still utility companies are working on increasing the probability that this cleaner renewable form of wind power energy will be available to everyone. It just a matter of time before every home will be running on a duel form energy source.
Our forefathers have been using biomass for energy when they learned bout fire and use it for their cooking. Biological mass are materials that has been grown or has lived. Biomass can take the form of wood, straw, biological wastes, waste paper, organic wastes from food processing, to name a few. Biomass can be used to produce energy. When these materials are burned, they produce energy. Fire converts biological mass into heat.
What are the pros and cons of using biomass? Since biomass take the form of biological wastes, and the whole world produces so many biological wastes, these wastes can be used and burned to obtain biomass energy. If we use biomass to produce energy, that is, biological wastes to produce energy, we can lessen to a great amount all our garbage that has to go to our landfills. By recycling through use of biological wastes to produce biomass energy, we can help in the preservation of our nature. At the same time, we can also help our economy because we will not have to buy more fuels to operate our machineries and the like because we can make use of the many available biological wastes as a source for biomass and in turn to produce energy.
However, to comprehend the problems of biological mass as a form of energy, one needs to know the biomass cycle that exists on the planet. To simplify, the biomass cycle controls the amount of carbon in our atmosphere. The biomass, basically in the form of plants, takes in carbon to live and grow and the living creatures of earth efficiently act as a sponge for carbon. However, the efficiency of this sponge effects has limited capacity. It can only absorb carbon to some extent at a time. When there is so much carbon in the atmosphere, consequently, heat will be trapped thus creating global warming which has now being felt on all parts of the world. Even if burning of biological mass brings about a much smaller extent of carbon gases over a short period of time, we still are not cutting down or lessening our carbon emissions to the atmosphere. With the global warming being obviously felt now in almost all parts of the world, what we need is reduction of emissions of carbon gases.
But if we will compare biomass with fossil fuels as to which is a better energy source, biomass is still a better choice. Fossil fuels emit more carbon gases than the biomass fuels. Furthermore, with the growing amount of garbage the world has accumulated everyday, if we will use biomass to produce energy this will greatly decrease the amount of trash to be thrown into our landfills. In this way, we still help preserve our environment.
Biomass is one form of alternative energy that has grown in use in many different households across the globe. These are plant and animal materials that have been conveniently available since the dawn of time. There are a number of these materials that are good candidates for the combustion or digestion process used to make energy. Sources of Biomass include the following:
1. By-products from the Forest: sawdust and other by-products of arboriculture.
2. By-products of Agriculture: The usage of litters, animal slurries and other residues to produce energy.
3. Energy Crops: Kinds of crops that is grown specifically to be used as a source of energy.
Perhaps, the most popular manner in which a household use biomass is through the use of a wood stove. When compared with an open fire, stoves are much more efficient, and technology and innovation has brought about appliances that burn clean. This innovation allows for the combustion of wood even without any smoke present.
It is necessary that the fuel used by a wood stove is from a sustainable source in order for it to be considered a renewable energy source. The use that you will be putting the stove to will determine the type of stove you will have installed. For example: for purposes of heating a single room then many of the stoves out there will be more than adequate. If you live in an urban area be sure to use appliance and fuels that are appropriate for that environment.
If for example, you not only want to heat your room but also hot water through your pipes as well as central heating, you’ll need a stove that has an integrated boiler. Stoves that come with large back boilers are usually the ones used in providing and meeting the hot water requirements of any normal sized home.
Aside from the typical wood stove, researches and continuous application of other natural fuel sources such as corn and other crops have created a variety of ways of Biomass for home use. Biomass from corn energy is produced using only dry shelled corn for power. Different from the variety that is consumed, the corn does not necessarily have to be of high quality.
Practically any shelled corn can accomplish the job but they must be dry and wit no husk fibers. Corn is then turned into heat for a home exactly the same way as wood. The whole process involves a fired stove using corn as fuel instead of the typical and commonly used wood. Currently it is common for shelled corn to be delivered to the home and is stored there in a storage container or a tank.
When the heating system needs more fuel, a thermostat will automatically sense the temperature reduction and will then open a storage container door. A set quantity of corn would fall into the furnace and zap! – You have more fire as well as more heat. Heat will then be piped into the house.
The use of Biomass for heating at home has become very much popular and is starting to take center stage thanks to the continuous efforts of numerous environmentalists, energy saving-oriented groups as well as former US President Bush’ push on its usage.
While many people are well informed on the conversational and environmental features of wind power energy, there are a great number of misinformed utility consumers who are apprehensive and totally against global transitioning into wind powered energy. The majority of these misconceptions stem from rumored or mythological stories relating to harmful effects of wind power electricity and/or turbine towers.
There are at least 10 well-know myths about wind power energy, however this article dispelled 5 of the more common myths; in hopes of providing a profound understanding of the global implications and benefits of using wind power energy.
Wind Towers are harmful to the environment. You may have heard that the tall towers used on wind farms are dangerous to birds or that birds are drawn to the towers because of the high velocity of wind produced. The truth is statically there no more reported bird incidents which resulted in death by wind towers, than any other reports of bird’s deaths from other free standing building and/or apparatus. In fact most birds steer clear of this high powered wind radiating tower as much as possible.
Wind power turbines violate noise ordinances. Many people who buy into this myth typically received information from someone who is not abreast of current advancements with the wind turbines. This information is out dated, where this was a fact over 10-15 years ago, since then advancements to wind towers/turbines now produce very little low noise and are barely heard. Furthermore wind farms must conform to noise ordinances that are strictly adhered to and enforced.
Wind energy only works in high wind speeds. In the past 10 years wind power technology has refined the older model turbines and replaced them with more efficient working turbines. With the new automated features, wind towers adjust to the wind and most often work during a light breeze. Because these features are more modern the towers can also adjust to wind variances in different directions, so no longer do they rely on a minimal amount of wind speed to operate efficiently.
Wind Power is less cost effective for single homes. This is completely unfounded, with the advancements made in the wind power industry. They have become readily available for residential use and can be quite cost effective. Though homes will require a sufficient amount of lot space to accommodate wind power equipment, there are a number of cost incentives such as tax exemptions associated with this conversion. Plus utility companies offer additional incentives to wind power customers in the form of rebates. These companies will purchase unused electricity from wind power users including single home units.
Wind Towers depreciate property values. With the many national studies which have assess property values of wind power customers and property of non wind power customers, they have found no variation in the property value, therefore the claim of property depreciation is completed unsupported and holds no merit in the real estate industry.
Energy conservationists as well as natural scientist constantly inform the public about the numerous rewards of converting to wind power. These specialists revert to the commonality of the renewable aspects of wind powered energy and the abundance of resources.
Granted wind energy is one of the most widely used methods of emission control and reduction to hazardous emissions normally associated with carbon-containing resources. Yet what many people fail to disclose are the many disadvantages of wind fuel, however vast or minute these disadvantages may be the fact is they still exist.
Every ground-breaking discovery must face the question of how to effectively utilize natural forms of renewable energy. There will always be a number of pros and con’s to consider. While everyone will agree there are more pros than con’s when it comes to wind power, many people are realist and see the fine print of the many inconveniences associated with this energy source. There are at least 6 customary reasons for not converting to wind power energy sources.
Technology has not caught up to the practice of wind power energy. Basically the wind mills and wind power generator have not reached the technical state in which it can be used in inter cites and/or small suburban locations. Many people and business that elect conversion to wind power must live in zoned area specifically for this form of energy.
Cost for equipment and property to facilitate wind power practices are far too expensive for the common consumer to afford. Regardless of the amount of money saved per wattage usage through wind powered sources, most people can not afford the apparatus to harness this energy in the first place.
Unexpected changes in the weather and the various conditions associated with seasonal transactions. This is a major weakness of wind power because the wind and its strength can not be forecasted on a daily basis and for days which no wind is present the electrical surges are as equally low, thus forcing wind power dependant facilities to revert back to the standard form of electricity. This can become quite costly if there is a no wind season that last for long periods of time.
Sound pollution is yet another nuisance to using wind power. The sounds that radiate from the spinning mills and the turbines can be loud and cumbersome, which presents long term problems.
Ecological hazards can be a big problem for many naturalists who see the spinning mills as a huge danger to local wildlife such as birds which run a high risk of flying into the windmills and being killed. Plus high producing wind power farms can also cause interference with television and cable signal for neighboring residents.
Manufacturing energy emissions are low. Wind power farms depending on the total number of operating mills will only produce a finite amount of electricity and for residents outside the wind farms radius they will have to rely on traditional means of electrical support.
While the disadvantages of wind power resources may seem overwhelming, the most important factor to remember is that eventually with advances in modern technology, many of these disadvantages will be eliminated and more people will have an option of converting to wind power despite the disadvantages.
Every one has experienced the drastic hike in fuel cost as well as the increases in energy over the past two years. A global hardship was felt as many people tried to keep up the highest fuel cost since the depression.
This situation has enlightened millions of consumers to practice energy conversing methods, from using energy efficient light bulbs to ride sharing. More importantly the news and various nature channels have warned the public of unsafe and damaging effects to the earth’s atmosphere through the continual usage of carbon containing resource such as fossil fuel.
The world is quickly going green. Just being consciences of the finite resources of naturally hazardous fossil burning fuel to include coal and other forms of eco-damaging elements, is not enough. The populous is now getting more involved with natural forms of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power energy, however most people are uninformed of the various advantages and disadvantages of renewable power sources. Most commonly used forms of renewable natural power is wind power.
Many people already know the most common advantage to wind power energy, such as the abundance of this source and how easily obtain, because air is free the cost for wind powered energy only contributes to the equipment needed to convert wind to electricity. Another well know fact about wind power is the renewable factors. Plus this form of energy is eco-friendly and doesn’t pose an eminent threat to the earth atmosphere, which is a popular advantage to those who are dedicated to going green. More importantly everyone knows wind power energy cost is significantly less than the conventional methods of energy.
Nowadays thousands of homes and businesses including the agricultural industry world wide have converted to wind power sources. The purpose for this ecological reason is to assistant in the reduction of cost for manufacturing products cost , which can make the cost of living a little easier during the times inflation and high fuel cost. And because it is a non polluting producing element, many people have access to this abundant source of energy globally.
Although there are many disadvantages to wind power such some are natural disadvantages such as the weather and the unpredictability of the changes in wind force and/or lack of wind. The conversion from the conventional fossil fuel burning method can greatly reduce the emissions of hazardous fumes as well as reduce the cost of utilities annually.
Moreover if more people begin converting to this natural renewable source of wind energy the advantages will soon out weigh the disadvantages by a wide margin, not to mention reduction of damaging the earth atmosphere and eliminating pollution that cause health conditions associated with the release of Co2 into the ozone.
With recent studies and findings, the earth’s atmosphere is quickly deteriorating right in front of our eyes. Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at an astonishing rate and over the past 100 years the earth ozone defenses have broken down and are allowing harmful Ultra Violet rays from the sun to penetrate the earth, which has contributed to long term effects on the climate and seasonal changes.
Many scientists believe the damage to the earth atmosphere is a direct result of negligent practices of over use of carbon-containing fuel such as fossil fuel, coal and nuclear energy sources. There are also health issues that are closely related to the usage of this form of energy such as breathing and allergic properties found in a number of people.
Since these elements have been the primary source of power for centuries, many consumers and governments have grown dependant upon its energy and disregard the long term effects that are bluntly obvious today.
With our growing populations and the era of electrical operated devices the demand for alternative energy sources has become the rave in the naturalist and earths science circles. Wind power energy is now a very real option to the renewable energy source.
Wind power has endured 2 decades of technology, scrutiny, and praise. More importantly the fact that wind power energy is clean and non lethal to the earths ecosystem has made it one of the more popular choices among energy conservationists.
Although wind power technology has advanced from the earlier versions of wind turbines and towers, more and more wind farms are developing a wider range of wind power electricity that distributed over a larger radius. Even with the latest automated additions to the wind power technology it is still only offered in rural and farm regions of the country.
Many farm states are quickly adapting to the wind power and solar power alternatives, however it is still not available in the more dense populated regions.
As more and more consumers are becoming aware of the drastic changes to the earths ecosystem, future generations will have less to appreciate because the atmosphere will be a harsher environment to endure, if the continued usage of polluted elements persist. The awareness has grown for cleaner less harmful alternative methods of energy; however the technology is still years behind the demand.
Is there a future for wind power? The answer is yes without a doubt; wind power technology will gain more recognition within the next 5-10 years as the demand for alternative energy methods increase. Once this demand for wind power energy is in full force, consumers will begin converting from the carbon based forms to wind power and solar power as an alternative energy source.
Yet wind power technology will only grow at a rate based upon the customer’s options and until this technology is available in the intercity and dense populated regions, you won’t see a significant transition.