Our dependence on fossil fuels and other non-renewable forms of energy has reached a saturation point. With earth no longer able to agitation in the required amounts of conventional forms of fuel to meet our growing energy needs, researchers and scientists are increasingly looking more alternatives are sustainable and clean. Apart from the Sun, the other renewable source is the wind.
Always present, with a potential to feed the demand of almost all the planet's energy, wind power is becoming increasingly more be regarded as a solution to our energy problem. As such, wind turbines are used to replace conventional power generators than ever before. Countries like Portugal, Spain, Italy and Denmark are currently among the forefront of the use of wind energy.
Need for change
While the use of the wind is a great way to get much needed clean energy, there are some problems associated with it. First, establish wind turbine requires large tracts of land. This may not be feasible in areas where space is a problem. Already erect a single single turbine does not meet the requirements of energy from a village or a factory, needs a considerable amount of land to establish one sufficient number of them.
Another factor to consider is the fact that the wind is not coherent. There will be times when there is no wind, so power generation will be minimal or nonexistent. What happens then?
Manufacture of wind turbines is also expensive. Of course, if countries are produced on a large scale commercial, prices would fall. However, this is not the case in the current situation, so the majority occur, can burn a big hole in your pocket.
What is next?
Floating wind turbines are ideal for those areas located near the coast and those who cannot afford to give away large tracts of land for its erection. Here, a turbine is mounted on top of a floating structure that is tied to the bed of a body of water.
Bright above i.e. that does not require allocating land to install wind turbines, leaving room for other development projects and housing. Most people also like spoiling the landscape and views with huge turbines, so if it can be displaced to float in bodies of water such as oceans and seas.
While the concept of a wind turbine is not new, previously it could only be anchored at shallow depths. Now, however, floating wind turbines can be configured in many deeper waters, even at a depth of 70 meters. In all likelihood, floating wind turbines will generate coherent energy as they are always higher speeds of wind on the water.
Here are three concepts which could pave the way for the world to invest capital, time and resources in this ingenious idea.
1 Single floating wind turbines Vestas and WindPlus
Vestas Wind turbine manufacturer is working with WindPlus to create a wind turbine that sits on a floating platform. Unlike other floating turbines, this concept by the two companies will allow the platform controlling the movement of the wind and the waves so that the turbine can be placed in deep waters. Responsible for implementing Costa Portugal, the floating wind turbine called the Vestas V80-2.0MW, if successful, will be the first of its kind to make use of the technology of floating platform.
2 Platform of floating wind hexagonal Hexicon
Conceived by the Swedish company, Hexicon, hexagonal wind floating platform is a central axis that will be able to accommodate about six or seven wind turbines. With a capacity to generate power 40MW Hexicon floating platform will require minimal maintenance, as old and worn-out turbines can be replaced easily.
Wave power plants can also be hosted in the Centre if you need additional power. On the other hand, the set up mounts on the site. The central axis will also be more efficient space as the entire facility is compact.
3 Floating turbine wind power in the North Sea
Floating wind turbine in the North Sea
Areas like the North Sea could soon become floating home wind turbines if it rises through a project by Norsk Hydro. The winds generated at sea guarantee to maintain consistency, which is always a gamble with ground wind turbines. Three modules measuring 60 meters in length will join a turbine that sits on a standing 200 meters high steel tube.
If successful, the concept of Norsk Hydro will be the first prototype to be displayed on a large scale. The huge structure will be able to reach depths of a staggering 500 meters below the surface of the sea.
View the original article here
