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Wind power, though largely regarded as a very important source of alternative energy, still remains shrouded by a lot of misconception and general ignorance. Wind power, as the name itself suggests, is derived from the wind. More specifically, it is derived from the natural wind flow that is caused by the differential heating of the earth’s surface by the sun.

Blowing wind (i.e. wind in motion) contains within it kinetic energy. Wind power essentially involves transforming this kinetic energy into various other forms of energy, mainly electricity and mechanical energy. Wind power, like most other sources of power used by mankind, has its share of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at them.

What are the benefits and disadvantages of wind power?

As has been stated earlier, wind energy is created by natural winds blowing across the surface of our planet. Differential heating of the irregular earth’s surfaces and earth’s rotation and the uneven distribution of heat in the atmospheric layers cause wind flow. And these flow patterns are further regulated by the water bodies and the vegetative covering of the earth. Besides this, the temperature in the Equatorial region varies greatly from that in the Polar regions.

The warm air at the equator expands and rises allowing cooler air from the Polar regions to flow in to fill up the vacuum. This circulation creates a convectional current which is called the wind. The wind, as it blows across the surface of the planet, carries with it a form of energy that is known as kinetic energy. This energy, when harnessed through suitable means, can be converted into other useful forms of energy like mechanical energy and electricity.

Alternative sources of energy production, such as windmill and solar systems, have always enjoyed varying degrees of popularity with the masses. The main advantage of using them is that they keep the environment clean and do not put a strain on our rapidly diminishing natural reserves. In other words, their production is not dependant on consumption of precious fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum.

The energy produced by these systems is clean, ‘green’, renewable and sustainable. To add to this, over the years, wind power technology has met with tremendous growth and advancements, resulting in their becoming more user-friendly, less complicated, more affordable and powerful in general.

The main disadvantage, however, is perhaps due to the highly unpredictable nature of wind itself. While it may be blowing fair and strong one moment, the very next could see a sudden drop in its power. And as everybody knows, wind power systems need fairly strong winds blowing consistently to produce any appreciable amount of energy.

Other disadvantages include noise pollution (generated by the rotor blades), visual impact and avian mortality (bats and birds being killed while flying into the rotors). However, these problems can be resolved by carefully choosing the installation site and also through continuing technological developments.

How are the benefits and disadvantages related to the environment and the economics?

The eco-friendly and economical nature of wind power still makes it the top bet in alternative power sources. Just by switching over to wind power, you will be surprised at how much savings you can actually make on your monthly energy consumption bills! And above all, you can also keep the environment clean and green. No wonder these are still the best reasons why millions around the world are turning to wind power every year.

Continuing research in the field of alternative energy production, especially solar and wind power systems, is making these systems more powerful, more dependable and increasingly affordable. It will not be long before all the current disadvantages of using wind power will be gone for good and it will find even wider acceptance around the globe. By embracing wind and solar power, mankind can stop the reckless exploitation of fossil fuels for energy production, curb environmental pollution and halt global warming by eliminating harmful emissions, and thus pave the way for a greener tomorrow for our children.

The ecological and financial advantages of installing a wind power system in your home are truly tremendous. Wind power is one of the best means of cutting your electricity bills as well as keeping the environment clean. So go ahead and install a wind power system in your house to enjoy its many benefits.

Just ensure that you know how to find the best place to install it and have adequate information on installing the system, know where to find cheap parts and free batteries, have enough knowledge on wiring the system and are aware of the safety precautions. Get hold of a good guide to make life simpler for you.

This article is based on the book, “Earth 4 Electricity- Renewable Energy Made Easy”. To Learn More about Earth 4 Electricity Unique Step By Step Solar and Wind Power System Visit: http://www.solar-power-advice.com

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 12:00 am and is filed under Environment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.