Nov 28 2008
Are Wind Turbines an Efficient Alternative Energy?
The use of Wind turbines appears as if it could be a great piece to solving the renewable energy crisis mystery. Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy that is produced by the wind with the use of rotors that are fitted with aerodynamic blades. These blades in turn rotate a shaft inside of the generator which creates electricity.
There are many pros and many cons on this free energy solution, even amongst the environmentalists themselves. While most will agree that wind turbines are far less damaging than fossil fuels are, there are many downfalls to using wind power.
One of the largest cons to wind power is the ridiculous claim that they are not nice to look at! Well, honestly I’m not a big fan of the way a nuclear power plant ‘looks’ nor am I fond of the new ‘look’ of the shrinking Arctic. We need to think more on the level of what is effective, as opposed to what is pretty. We are talking about the survival of our planet not the survival of Hallmark!
Another of the larger complaints is the threat to birds, bats and our other winged friends. During a study at Altamont Pass in California on wind turbines and feathered deaths, the study concluded that there were many bird fatalities associated with the wind farm in the area. Let’s compare that with the facts that this particular wind farm is an antique compared to today’s wind turbines. Today’s wind turbines have much larger blades that move at a slower rate of speed, in comparison with the ones at Altamont Pass, leaving the possibility for the birds to dodge the blades much easier. It appears to me that the fatality rate of birds hitting high rises, automobiles, feral cats and human hunting is much higher than that of wind farms.
Wind power may not produce an ideal amount of energy, but at this point every little bit helps! Working our way off the grid is the ultimate goal with alternative energy. Check this page out it is the best directional website that I could find on creating your own wind turbine.
Wind
I saw hundreds of these windmills when I was in Turkey this suumer. I agree that certainly look “better” than a nuclear plant. There is actually something calming about mills turning.
alicia
I agree, Alicia.. I personally like the way they look, as well! But there are others that feel that they take up too much space and are not too attractive to gaze upon!