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How Much Power is in the Wind?
The following chart shows exactly how much potential the wind holds as an energy source since wind power increases exponentially as wind speed increases.
| Example 1 | Example 2 |
|---|---|
| Turbine runs for 1 year | Same turbine runs for 1 year |
Half the time the wind is 10m/s (22mph). Half the time there is no wind at all. |
The wind blows at 5m/s (11mph) all year. |
| Therefore, the average wind speed is 5m/s (11mph) | Therefore, the average wind speed is also 5m/s (11mph) |
| Power generated is 1,752 kWh |
Power generated is 613 kWh |
Note: Both examples have the same average wind speed but Example 1 produces 2.85 times as much power as Example 2.
See the average wind power generated in your area by clicking on the map below.
Source: National Renewable
Energy Laboratory
Benefits of Going Green
Clean energy can be harnessed to produce electricity more cheaply than conventional sources. While the historic demand for electricity has increased at a rate of two to ten percent per year, electric utilities have been unable to meet this growing energy demand or support customers’ needs for reliable service. The premise of on-site energy or Distributed Generation is to move to smaller and more flexible alternatives developed with environmental forethought, fuel efficiency and consumer utility.
Truly “green” systems using a combination of renewable energy (wind/solar) with cogeneration technology such as microturbines and fuel cells should be able to provide anywhere from 50% to 97% reductions in energy use while improving Indoor Air Quality. It is possible to install properly designed “green” systems at costs equal to, or less than, conventional design.
Consumers are witnessing especially steep energy price increases and intermittent service outages. As a result, states such as California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and the Federal government support alternative energy technologies by offering incentives, rebates and tax credits for on-site power and/or renewable electric generation. Now, with the technological advancement of smaller-scale equipment Distributed Generation can be effectively deployed at schools, hotels, light manufacturing, homes and many other applications.
Reduced Air Pollution
The combustion of fossil fuels by electric power plants, cars, diesel trucks and buses, and other sources is responsible for most of the smog and harmful particulates in the air.
Reduced Greenhouse Emissions
Greenhouse gases resulting from the burning of fossil fuels, particularly carbon dioxide, are a leading suspect in changes to the global climate. The gases trap excess heat from the Sun’s infrared radiation that would otherwise escape into space, much like a greenhouse is used to trap heat. We look for alternatives that will allow for heating and cooling systems that will reduce dependence on the combustion of fuels for heating, cooling and power.
Reduced Demand on Power Grid
With ever increasing economic concerns related to rising energy costs, power interruptions, and environmental challenges, the need to install renewable and alternative energy technologies is greater then ever.