top of page

WIND POWER

 

In the olden days, Windmills where used to generate energy from wind by rotating the blades. Not only was it used to generate wind but also to pump water and to mill grain. The old technique was then implemented to a modern and efficient wind turbine. Wind turbines are the future energy supply generation with zero emission. It can be placed offshore and inshore and can be a vertical or horizontal turbine.

 

Wind turbine can be placed onshore (situated on land) or offshore (situated in the sea or at the shore). It is determined, that offshore wind can generate greater energy capacity and will not impact the community as it is not placed on land.

 

The current capacity of wind power in Scotland in 2016 is 5.33 GW.

 

Robin Rigg Wind Farm, Scotland's first offshore wind farm, was constructed by E.ON at Robin Rigg in the Solway Firth. With the capacity of 180MW

​

HOW DOES IT WORK?

 

As we all know wind turbines use wind to generate electricity that generates zero emission. The wind rotates the blade around the rotor. This is attached to the shaft which rotates the generator to generate electricity.[1] A standard wind turbine is nearly 30m high can takes advantage to capture high and low wind. A video link is shown below which shows how the wind turbine work.

ADVANTAGES

​

  • Zero carbon emission from wind turbine to produce greener renewable electricity energy

  • Minimal environmental impact and can stop global warming, climate change and reduce greenhouse gasses dramatically

  • Can be a potential to replace fossil fuel consumption

  • Captures high and low wind

  • Turbine can be controlled when too much wind is received[1]

  • Long term energy generator

 

 

DISADVANTAGES

 

  • Social acceptance as some people do not like the visual

  • Noise pollution

  • Effect on birds

  • Can only produce electrical energy when the wind is available

  • Policies required before wind farms are built

  • Building, equipment, and maintenance costs are high

 

Toddleburn Wind Farm is located in the Scottish Borders between the villages of Heriot and Oxton.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

 

The environmental impact from wind turbine are very little compared to combusting fossil fuel but has other impacts. When the bladed are rotated by the wind it produces noise pollutions which have a greater impact on the land. Not only noise but is the main reason for bird deaths. It also has a social impact as some community and individual do not like the look and the shadow during the sunny day.

 

Other concerns can be safety work workers or even public. Disruption of blades may cause serious accidents.

Reference:

​

bottom of page