Whirling Windmills Wisely Weave Watts from Wild Winds

Welcome back to Climatific, a free, weekly read that breaks down climate science so it makes sense- not for scientists or researchers, but for everyday people trying to understand the planet we live on, what’s happening to it, and why it matters.

Warm up your coffee and gather ‘round for a quick read on wind energy this morning. Our authors try not to show favoritism, but between allegations of wizardry, suspected use of Botox, and myth-busting bird mortality rates… well, prepare to be blown away.

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Have you ever noticed that the first debut of most supervillains consists of howling winds, environmental destruction, and an ugly mug?

We’ve always viewed wind as a powerful, and sometimes dangerous, trait of Mother Nature. The Wizard of Oz introduces the Wicked Witch of the West through the window of Dorothy’s bedroom as her house is being chaotically whipped around by a tornado. In most horror movies, the presence of an unforeseeable force is announced through a sudden and chilling gust of wind.

We’ve always known that high-speed winds can lead to disaster, but we had to grow to learn that we can use it to our advantage as well. Our early ancestors of 5,000 BC discovered that we can use wind to propel boats. Other innovations quickly followed, from wind-powered water pumps to windmills for food production, sawing lumber, and (finally!) electricity generation.

In July 1887, a Scotsman and electrical engineer by the name of James Blyth built the first successful wind turbine to generate electricity. While we can appreciate his invention now, history buffs believe that he was chastised by the locals and even thought to be a wizard… Ah, the big-brained are just so misunderstood. 🧠

We’ve come a long way since Blyth’s first model! You may recall from our former issues that wind energy accounts for 18 percent of the United States’s total renewable energy generation. Scientists have identified three popular models for wind energy systems: onshore, offshore, and hybrid systems.

Onshore wind generation is most popular in the middle of the United States, where the annual average wind speed is a minimum of 9 miles per hour. Popular locations include the tops of smooth, rounded hills, mountain gaps, and wide open plains. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the top three wind energy producers in 2023 were Texas, Iowa, and Oklahoma.

Meanwhile, offshore wind uses massive turbine technology and underwater wires to harness wind currents. Most offshore wind projects occur along the Atlantic Coast in states like Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York. In fact, Block Island often experiences record-breaking winds at a maximum of 120 miles per hour!

I wonder if Botox treatments are common there.

Other times, a hybrid approach to wind energy production is most ideal. Wind energy is an intermittent energy source. Wind energy production is least efficient in the summertime, and much more abundant during the springtime when wind currents pick up due to more intense and contrasting air temperatures.

We might not be able to control the availability of wind for electricity generation, but we can combine wind systems with other renewable sources to offset inefficiencies.

Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see a hybrid wind and solar system for this exact reason.

Have you ever stood underneath of a windmill? It’s mesmerizing, really. And there’s all different kinds too. The one that our buddy boy James Blyth created is an example of a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (or HAWT), but you’re probably more familiar with the design above. HAWTs are the most efficient for large-scale energy generation.

Wind energy is HAWT. You heard it here first.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (or VAWTs) are best for smaller applications because they can accept wind from any direction. They’re also closer to the ground and much quieter.

Although, probably the most innovative wind energy system that we’ve seen so far are Bladeless Wind Turbines (or BWTs). Yes, you heard me correctly. BWTs are cylindrical columns that stick out of the ground and capitalize on aerodynamic induction.

Right… That was my reaction, too. Let’s take a couple of steps back.

BWTs are basically made of magnets. Rather than using the wind to turn blades and generate electricity, air flows through them and causes the magnets to vibrate together and ultimately creates electricity.

The (other) cool part? It doesn’t necessarily require active wind flow, which means BWTs are abe to use less turbulent air streams and operate more efficiently.

So here’s the real question… If wind energy is so great, then why don’t we have more of it? Well, even the most well-oiled machine has its setbacks. Allow us to explain.

Pros: 🌟Clean energy

🌟Low operating costs

🌟Minimal maintenance expenses

🌟Efficient use of space

🌟Local economic growth

Cons: ❌ High upfront costs

❌ Intermittent energy production

❌ Location constraints

❌ Risks to wildlife

You’re probably wondering where the “sunny side” is to this segment. Well, there is good news, but it requires some myth-busting.

In the 2000s, concerns for bird populations stole the limelight. People began to notice deceased or injured birds around wind farms. Believe it or not, this alone had significant impacts on the growth of wind turbines. Scientists thought it was a valid concern, but questions still remained.

In the years following, many studies on bird and bat mortality rates have been released to include wind turbine estimations. Researchers have concluded that, while collisions do exist, glass buildings and other wildlife are the leading cause of death to raptors. Data shows that wind energy remains as an environmentally-conscious solution… and that’s a win in my book!

HEY you! Yes, you! Guess what? We’re taking a brief hiatius from our Renewable Roadshow Series to share an Earth Day special with our devoted subscribers. Earth Day is next Wednesday, April 22nd and we are so excited to celebrate!

As a globally-observed environmental movement, Earth Day has been around for over half a century. Do what you can to prepare by exploring events near you and show your support through a simple act of kindness to our good ‘ole Mother Earth.

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