Generate Electricity With a Wind Turbine

Posted by Rolf Joho on October 23rd, 2009 filed in What Causes Global Warming

What constitutes a wind turbine? A wind turbine is sometimes called a windmill or wind generator. The names are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are differences. A wind turbine utilizes wind energy to make mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then used as is or changed to electrical energy. The windmill can use the energy “as is” for work such as crushing stones or pumping water; whereas a wind generator uses the mechanical energy to produce electricity. Are there different kinds of wind turbines? There are two types of wind turbines, classified according to their orientation:

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1. Horizontal Axis Turbines – The blades of these wind turbines rotate along    a horizontal axis.
2. Vertical Axis Turbines – These turbine blades turn along a vertical axis.

The horizontal axis wind turbines are more popular. They are more functional than vertical type. What are some of the advantages of installing a wind turbine to produce electricity? We will now look at some of the advantages of a wind turbine:

• Power-Saving:: Wind turbines utilize a free source of energy – the wind. Thus they are a cost-effective method of producing electricity. And since they don’t rely on non-renewable resources, they are also good for the earth as a whole.
• Cost-Effective: The only expense involved in installing a wind turbine is the initial expense and the cost of upkeep. The energy source is free!
• Impact on the Environment: The wind turbines are environment friendly in that they do not give off harmful gases or affect the environment in any way.
• They Provide a Consistent Power Supply: A wind generator can make you independent from the government’s electricity supply. Moreover, you avoid the hurdles of blackout.

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What conditions should exist for installing a wind turbine? While installing your own wind generator can be very beneficial for you and others, particular conditions must first be met. You need to take into consideration these conditions before installing a wind turbine. Be sure these two conditions are met:

• A minimum of one acre
• The average wind speed is around 11 miles per hour.
• Make sure the tower and the base are sturdy. It is important to take wind turbulence into consideration before you invest in the wind generator.
• Ensure the correct height between the tower, the generator and the cells are achieved

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Is your lunch causing global warming? Cars and factories are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions that are heating up the planet. But what you ... An article from: New York Times UpfrontThis digital document is an article from New York Times Upfront, published by Scholastic, Inc. on January 18, 2010. The length of the article is 1977 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Is your lunch causing global warming? Cars and factories are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions that are heating up the planet. But what you eat may have even more of an impact.(ENVIRONMENT)
Author: Elisabeth Rosenthal
Publication: New York Times Upfront (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 18, 2010
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Volume: 142 Issue: 8 Page: 6(6)

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