Nathan Hill
Per. 1
3-2-15
Wind Power Wind power has been used since ancient times. The earliest known use was 5000 BC, when it was used by Egyptians to propel boats. (Wood) In the Middle Ages, it was used for grinding corn. (Darvill) Then, it was used in the American colonies for grain, water, and wood. (Wood) Currently, it accounts for less than 1% of energy production in the US. (Layton) However, it usage has quadrupled between 2000 and 2006, and it is estimated that one third of electricity will be through wind power by 2050. (Medford) Wind begins with the sun. The sun heats areas of land unevenly. When the sun heats a certain area, the hot air moves up, as it is lighter than cooler air. Cooler air then moves in to replace it. The wind …show more content…
(Layton) It costs $40,000 to $70,000 to build a turbine. It would take 10 to 20 years for this investment to break even. (Maehlum) The price per kilowatt has decreased all the way from 55 cents in 1980 to 6 cents. (Wood) It also has low operating costs. (Energy) Because there are no fuel costs, the cost can be reduced by up to 50%. (Wiser) The main advantages are that it is renewable and produces no gas emissions. (Maehlum) A turbine that produces 1 megawatt can eliminate 1800 tons of carbon dioxide in one year. (Energy) Although turbines take up land and must be placed far apart, the land in between can be used for other things. The main disadvantage is that it is not constant, as the speed of wind changes, and the energy currently cannot be stored. (Maehlum) Therefore, it must be used along with other sources of energy. (Layton) Land that is suited for wind energy may also be expensive. (Darvill) To use it, a minimum wind speed of 9 miles per hour is needed for small turbines, and 13 miles per hour for large turbines. (Layton) Turbine blades can also harm flying creatures, and it is estimated that they kill 10,000 to 440,000 flying creatures per year. Turbines also produce a lot of noise, so it cannot be used in urban areas. While some people like how turbines look, many do not. (Maehlum) Turbines may also affect TV reception. (Darvill) There is a risk of land erosion if it is used in desert areas from digging to install turbines. Another advantage is that it can be used independently, and bring electricity to areas that don’t have it. (Layton) Wind farms can also be used as tourist attractions.
Per. 1
3-2-15
Wind Power Wind power has been used since ancient times. The earliest known use was 5000 BC, when it was used by Egyptians to propel boats. (Wood) In the Middle Ages, it was used for grinding corn. (Darvill) Then, it was used in the American colonies for grain, water, and wood. (Wood) Currently, it accounts for less than 1% of energy production in the US. (Layton) However, it usage has quadrupled between 2000 and 2006, and it is estimated that one third of electricity will be through wind power by 2050. (Medford) Wind begins with the sun. The sun heats areas of land unevenly. When the sun heats a certain area, the hot air moves up, as it is lighter than cooler air. Cooler air then moves in to replace it. The wind …show more content…
(Layton) It costs $40,000 to $70,000 to build a turbine. It would take 10 to 20 years for this investment to break even. (Maehlum) The price per kilowatt has decreased all the way from 55 cents in 1980 to 6 cents. (Wood) It also has low operating costs. (Energy) Because there are no fuel costs, the cost can be reduced by up to 50%. (Wiser) The main advantages are that it is renewable and produces no gas emissions. (Maehlum) A turbine that produces 1 megawatt can eliminate 1800 tons of carbon dioxide in one year. (Energy) Although turbines take up land and must be placed far apart, the land in between can be used for other things. The main disadvantage is that it is not constant, as the speed of wind changes, and the energy currently cannot be stored. (Maehlum) Therefore, it must be used along with other sources of energy. (Layton) Land that is suited for wind energy may also be expensive. (Darvill) To use it, a minimum wind speed of 9 miles per hour is needed for small turbines, and 13 miles per hour for large turbines. (Layton) Turbine blades can also harm flying creatures, and it is estimated that they kill 10,000 to 440,000 flying creatures per year. Turbines also produce a lot of noise, so it cannot be used in urban areas. While some people like how turbines look, many do not. (Maehlum) Turbines may also affect TV reception. (Darvill) There is a risk of land erosion if it is used in desert areas from digging to install turbines. Another advantage is that it can be used independently, and bring electricity to areas that don’t have it. (Layton) Wind farms can also be used as tourist attractions.