For hundreds of years, the wind was harnessed to generate electricity. The windmills that use air currents for the conversion into mechanical energy date from and possibly beyond Medieval Europe. Today, the wind energy sector is the world’s second most rapidly growing source of energy and one of the most advanced technologies to build renewable energy sources.
Efforts by the elite members of the society enlightened the global countries about the benefits of renewable energy sources in conserving the environment prompting the need to consider wind energy (Lacal-Arántegui, 2019). Interestingly, the advancing technology played a crucial role in promoting the goals of environmental conservation. For instance, pultrusion technology was critical in promoting ecological sustainability and ensuring that the industry utilizes the limited financial resources towards achieving their mutual goals.
By linking a spinning rotor with a generator, wind turbines transform it into electricity. The wind moves through the aerodynamic rotor blades and generate a higher pressure area on both sides of the blade. Due to the variations in air pressure, lifting and drag forces are created. The former is greater than the latter, so the rotor attached to the generator rotates. The energy is then provided by moving from the aerodynamic to the generator rotation. Whereas the number of offshore installations has increased in recent years, particularly in Europe, wind energy generations are generally land-based (Lacal-Arántegui, 2019).
It is costlier to locate offshore wind turbines and larger installations to boost the power generation capacity. The fact that many of the best sites have been occupied has made offshore locations’ production more preferable. In conclusion, the shift to wind energy as a renewable power source is the key to promoting society’s sustainable existence. Moreover, wind turbines produce enough electricity to serve a significant number of people.
Reference
Lacal-Arántegui, R. (2019). Globalization in the wind energy industry: Contribution and economic impact of European companies. Renewable Energy, 134, 612-628. Web.