ACGE Wind Energy

Wind energy in the U.S. has the potential to generate 5 times the total power needed for the entire country!

Just about everyone has heard about this. Its wind turning a big propeller turning a big generator making electricity. As it operates it generates zero emissions, zero carbon and very little noise. Some say that they clutter the landscape, well this can be true depending on how you look at it, lets take a look at that theory shall we?

Which would you rather have?

This?

Or this?

This?

Or this?

I know its a tough choice.

Here's how it works.

Wind power is a very viable option as part of the solution to our energy needs. We are already expanding our existing network of wind turbines in a very slow but consistent fashion. Here is a map showing states with wind power and how much they are generating.

California and Texas are leading the way with states like Arizona, Nevada, Florida and most the south east states have yet to start their programs. With every passing moment this technology gets better and more efficient. Like solar, a individual depending on where they live can operate their own wind system and sell power back to the grid. It is no longer necessary to have a 40 foot tower in your back yard, have a look at this.

The Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) converts wind energy to electrical power. The VAWT is an omni-directional low wind-speed generator that may be easily installed practically anywhere with good wind exposure. The VAWT is seen as a solid object as the rotational speed increases, making it visible to birds. The VAWT has a 3-phase A.C. electrical power connection and 3-phase rectifier.

Pacwind

http://www.pacwind.net

"Magnetically-Levitated Axial Flux Alternator with Programmable Variable Coil Resistance, Vertical Axis Wind Turbine' , and it has just come on the market. Designed by Thomas Priest-Brown and Jim Rowan in Canada and manufactured in Texas, it "solves 11 different problems that previously limited the development of vertical-axis wind turbines for generation of electricity ." The center hub floats on a magnet, and the coils that generate the power are at the outer ring, with magnets at the tips of the blades flying over them at high speed. It is designed for home installation in urban settings; It is only 4 feet high, so neighbors are unlikely to complain about its appearance. We asked about issues with ice and snow, and were assured that there was no problem. We also asked about noise and was told that it was inaudible.

Here are just a couple of examples, the point is that an individual using wind and solar can get off the grid and sell power back. At the very least he can generate his own power. This works well for people in rural areas. So what happens in the cities?

Large cities with high rise buildings generally tend to be windy places. New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco all benefit from being on the ocean and in the case of Chicago on a inland sea and even boasts the nickname "The Windy City". Wind turbines can be installed on buildings in these cities to generate electricity and lower the load on the grid. Architects working with wind generation companies are coming up with cleaver ways to integrate turbines into the structure of the building and in a very artistic way. Here are a few examples.

Dynamic Constructions is set to commence soon on building Dubai's wind-powered rotating skyscraper

This is a bit outrageous, but its pretty interesting. The Rotating Skyscraper

I can talk about this all day. The bottom line is that wind power generation is real, it works, it is viable, it is clean, it is green and it gets better everyday. Stop the strip mining, stop the drilling, stop all the destructive processes currently underway in the name of energy independence by Oil Coal and Nuclear. Build wind farms, solar collectors, tidal generators and lower our energy requirements. In the long run its better for us, overall it is cheaper and better for the planet.