Alternative Energy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Alternative Energy - Essay ExampleSmall turbines can generate 100 kilowatts and be used to provide electricity to one home. Batteries store the energy from the turbine which powers the home. Large turbines are generally separate together. These crest farms provide power directly to the electric grid. (Energy Basics, 2011) Horizontal axis turbines consist of 2 or three blades attached to a rotor that is placed on tall tower twist facing either away from or into the prevailing enlace current. The wind is less turbulent and stronger at elevated heights, generally of 100 feet or more. Each blade is curved much exchangeable the reference of an airplane to maximize its potential. As the wind blows across a blade, the side of the blade facing lee(prenominal) creates a lower-pressure pocket. The pressure differential between the front and backside of the blade turns the rotor. This phenomenon is called lift, the same as the wind dynamics on the propagation of a plane. The wind stri king the front of the blade is called powderpuff which is much weaker than the lift force on the backside. The combination of lift and draw and quarter causes the rotor to spin kindred a propeller, and the turning shaft spins a generator to make electricity. (Energy Basics, 2011) Vertical axis wind turbines come in two varieties, Darrieus and Savonius. Neither of these types is widely utilized. The Savonius is used for pumping water and grinding grains but repayable to its relatively slow rotation velocity is impractical for generating electricity. The turbines appear to be S-shaped when viewed from above the unit. The Darrieus, invented in the 1920s, is normally described as an eggbeater in appearance. This type may become used more very much referable to its greater amount of lift per rotation. (Energy Basics, 2011) Wind turbines... Horizontal axis turbines consist of two or three blades attached to a rotor that is placed on tall tower twist facing either away from or into the prevailing wind current. The wind is less turbulent and stronger at elevated heights, generally of 100 feet or more. Each blade is curved much like the wing of an airplane to maximize its potential. As the wind blows across a blade, the side of the blade facing leeward creates a lower-pressure pocket. The pressure differential between the front and backside of the blade turns the rotor. This phenomenon is called lift, the same as the wind dynamics on the wing of a plane. The wind striking the front of the blade is called drag which is much weaker than the lift force on the backside. The combination of lift and drag causes the rotor to spin like a propeller, and the turning shaft spins a generator to make electricity. (Energy Basics, 2011) Vertical axis wind turbines come in two varieties, Darrieus and Savonius. Neither of these types is widely utilized. The Savonius is used for pumping water and grinding grains but due to its relatively slow rotation velocity is impractical fo r generating electricity. The turbines appear to be S-shaped when viewed from above the unit. The Darrieus, invented in the 1920s, is ordinarily described as an eggbeater in appearance. This type may become used more frequently due to its greater amount of lift per rotation. Wind turbines produce electricity but does not dirty the atmosphere nor are chemicals used that could contaminate the land.