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2. Wind Energy
Mr. Huebsch

3. Behavioral Objectives
Students will gain an understanding on the following
How wind happens
Wind energy stats
Vertical turbines
Horizontal turbines
Pros and Cons of wind energy

4. What‘s wind?
The uneven heating of the earth’s surface and atmosphere from the sun
Difference in air pressure within our atmosphere
Air under high pressure moves toward areas of low pressure. The greater the difference in pressure, the faster the air flows.

6. Facts… Wind energy is sometimes called solar energy
2% of solar energy that hits the earth is converted into wind energy
Wind energy generating capacity for U.S. in 2007 = 16,818 mw
Wind energy generating capacity worldwide = 94,112 mw
Just over 1% of U.S. electricity supply
= to 4.5 million households

7. Facts…
U.S. wind energy potential = twice the electricity generated in U.S. today. 10,777 billion kWh
One megawatt serves homes
Wind energy has grown 29% a year for five years
Denmark, Spain, and some regions of Germany now generate 10% to 25% of their electricity with wind power
A typical hot water solar energy system initially costs 3,000 dollars. If yearly savings amount to 500 dollars, then the payback time will be six years.
After the six years is up the customer begins to save 500 dollars a year
Factors that effect the length of time of payback include the cost of fossil fuels and the amount of solar energy used.

8. Top 5 state in capacity Texas = 4,356 MW California = 2,439 MW
Minnesota = 1,299 MW
Iowa = 1,273 MW
Washington = 1,163 MW

9. Largest wind farms in US
Horse Hollow, Texas = 736 MW
Sweetwater, Texas = 585 MW
Peetz Table, Colorado = 401 MW
Capricorn Ridge, Texas = 364 MW
Buffalo Gap, Texas = 351 MW

10. Turbines Horizontal Propeller type blades connect to horizontal shaft
Accepts wind from any direction
Preferred turbine for commercial applications
Creates DC and AC electricity

11. Turbines Vertical Blade connect to a vertical shaft
Accepts wind from any direction
Very few used in commercial applications
Creates DC and AC electricity

13. Efficiency Highest energy payback ratio
Energy Payback Ratios (EPR) compare the amount of energy produced by a power plant to the amount of energy it takes to build, run, and eventually decommission that plant.
The more efficient the technology, the higher the EPR.
Turbines run 60% - 80% of the time
Full rated power only 10% of time
On an average day, it generates 30% to 35% of what it would generate if it ran at full power all the time.

14. Tip Speed Ratio Speed of the blade tips in relation to the wind speed
Ratios are between 1 and 7
Tip ratio of 5 means tip speed is 5x faster than wind speed

15. Pros No pollution Pays for itself Renewable Quiet Minimal maintenance
Free fuel
Takes less than 5% of the ground area

16. Cons Higher cost Lower usable % Need wind Dangerous Site specific
Longer payback

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