|
Windmills and Wind Energy |
 |
 |
|
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} Windmills have been around for years, and at one time were used to pump water and to supply the power needed to grind grain, and also act as generators for power. The popularity waned, however with the introduction of low cost electricity.Now, with energy prices on the rise, more and more companies and individuals are turning once again to wind power. Now called wind turbines, their structure has changed from that of the early windmill, but the premise remains the same. Supplying a pollution free sustainable form of energy. They require no fuel except the wind, produce no greenhouse gases, and no toxic or radioactive waste. They range from giant commercial structures, to smaller models designed for individual use.In 1999 3.5 billion dollars was spent on farms that now use wind energy.There are a few drawbacks. The energy cannot be stored unless you use batteries, and they must compete with commercial generator sources on a cost basis. S.C. Johnson Company uses wind energy to power its plant in Racine, Wisconsin. More companies are realizing the benefits and cost savings. 9 on-line web hosting companies use wind energy, either by purchasing wind power, or having their own plant. The basic cost is determined by the amount to install a wind turbine, and the amount of energy that will be produced.
|
