In 2014, wind energy grew more than any other energy source in the US. Wind technology prices have also plummeted a good 58%. The Department of Energy believes that potential for wind energy is much larger, but it also is greatly limited by one key factor.
Wind turbines are too short. I know, you are probably saying, “What? Those things are huge already!” If turbines were taller, they could get to where winds are stronger and more constant. This would help them to tap into more energy.
The US is hoping to make 20% of its power through wind energy by 2030. This would require turbines to be larger. Also, wind energy would have to be in 49 out of 50 states. (At that point, if I was the last state, I’d jump onto the bandwagon.)
Due to friction, wind blows less strong the lower to the ground. Therefore, the key is to make turbines taller. The state-of-the-art for height in recent years has been 80 meters tall. But now many turbines are reaching to 100 meters, and they need to be taller still. At the wind hub height of 110 meters, 4,262,000 kilometers (2,874,463.135 miles) more would become suitable for turbines. At the current height, only 2.8 million are available. This would help to make the Ohio River Valley, Great Lakes Region, and the Northeast much better for turbines.
Building larger turbines will still have many obstacles to face. Turbines will require more materials and stronger structural support. This all will cost more. There are, of course, still the possibilities that this will possibly more threatening to birds and bats, as well as more people will begin to resist wind turbines. The wind industry all hopes these challenges will be overcome.
Wind turbines are too short. I know, you are probably saying, “What? Those things are huge already!” If turbines were taller, they could get to where winds are stronger and more constant. This would help them to tap into more energy.
The US is hoping to make 20% of its power through wind energy by 2030. This would require turbines to be larger. Also, wind energy would have to be in 49 out of 50 states. (At that point, if I was the last state, I’d jump onto the bandwagon.)
Due to friction, wind blows less strong the lower to the ground. Therefore, the key is to make turbines taller. The state-of-the-art for height in recent years has been 80 meters tall. But now many turbines are reaching to 100 meters, and they need to be taller still. At the wind hub height of 110 meters, 4,262,000 kilometers (2,874,463.135 miles) more would become suitable for turbines. At the current height, only 2.8 million are available. This would help to make the Ohio River Valley, Great Lakes Region, and the Northeast much better for turbines.
Building larger turbines will still have many obstacles to face. Turbines will require more materials and stronger structural support. This all will cost more. There are, of course, still the possibilities that this will possibly more threatening to birds and bats, as well as more people will begin to resist wind turbines. The wind industry all hopes these challenges will be overcome.