Wind Energy The Future of Club Medica

Why Choose Wind Energy? Wind's pollution-free electricity helps reduce environmental damage. In 1997, US power plants emitted: 70% Sulfur Dioxide 34% Carbon Dioxide 33% Nitrogen Oxides 28% Particulate Matter 23% Toxic Heavy Metals

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides cause acid rain Acid rain damages environment and wildlife it supports America’s 5% of population emits 23% of carbon dioxide To avoid dangerous levels of global warming, we must cut the emission of carbon dioxide from 80 – 90% by 2050 The generation of wind energy produces no carbon dioxide Wind energy consumes a significantly less amount of water compared to conventional power plants and even solar energy. WATER CONSUMPTION--WIND AND SOLAR Technologygallons/kWh liters/kWh Wind [1] [1] Solar [2] [2] WATER CONSUMPTION-- CONVENTIONAL POWER PLANTS Technologygallons/kWhliters/kWh Nuclear Coal Oil Combined Cycle Gas

Why Choose Wind Energy? ALSO… Short Term Pollution: NONE Long Term Pollution: NONE WOW!!!

The first windmills appeared in the 7 th century in present day Iran and Afghanistan!!!!

Initial Cost It costs anywhere between $ and $ for 1 wind generator (depending on size and output) Grid – connected residential system (1-10 kW) cost between $2400 to $3000 per installed kilowatt Medium – scale commercial system (10-100kW) cost between $1500 and $2500 per installed kilowatt Large – scale systems (Over 100kW) cost between $1000 and $2000 per installed kilowatt General Trend: Cost decreases as machine capacity increases

Cost per Kilowatt vs. Rated Power

Long Term Costs A rule of thumb estimate for annual operating expenses is 2% to 3% of the initial system cost. Another estimate is based on the system's energy production and is equivalent 1 to 2 cents per kWh of output. One reason the United States is slightly behind Europe is the lack of consistent, long-term legislation. Wind is good in the long term because there is no fuel variability, there's no fuel cost to worry about. The progression of wind energy has been encouraged by federal tax breaks.

Kinu cha upepo means “windmill” in Swahili

Availability Wind farms are located in place with a lot of fast winds in order to create the most amount of energy. Significant spots include tops of rounded hills, open plains, shorelines, and mountain gaps. Wind can be unreliable due to varying speeds and seasonal changes Wind farms are located in 25 states, major California, Texas, Iowa, Minnesota, and Oklahoma The largest is located in Texas and generates enough electricity to power 230,000 homes per year Scientists say that ¼ of the nation is suitable for wind power production. Alone, North Dakota could produce 1/3 of the U.S. electricity

Europe produced 2/3 of the world’s wind energy in the early years of the 21 st century!!!

Criticism of Wind Energy Wind turbines may effect the migration of birds and bats. However it is proven that human activity has a bigger affect on bats and birds than wind turbines.

Complaints have been made that wind turbines ruin the landscape On the other hand, many view the sight of the turbines to serve as a reminder of a cleaner future In a 2002 survey of 300 tourists in the Argyll region of Scotland, noted for its scenic beauty, 91% said the presence of wind turbines would not affect their decision to return Opinion surveys regularly show that 5% of people are openly opposed to the development of wind energy, whereas over 80% are openly in favor of it. It is estimated that 50,000 Americans die annually as a result of air pollution. In contrast, in 20 years the wind industry has only claimed 1 life (German sky-diver who parachuted off course into a turbine.)

There is some question as to whether wind projects affect electromagnetic transmissions, such as radio, television, and cell phone signals This is not a problem with modern residential turbines Also this can be remedied by improving the receivers antenna, installing relays to transmit the signal around the wind farm, or by using satellite or cable television Wind projects will affect radar systems However, it is possible to modify the radar systems to avoid this problem

An Australian professor is developing The Gyromill, which will generate wind energy from an altitude of 14,750 ft.