Wind turbines and their advantages and disadvantages

Wind energy is also a renewable source. It is an environmentally friendly option, and one way of obtaining green energy is a wind turbine. Because air quality is getting worse, this type of power plant is very popular. Getting one is not at all simple, so watch out for grey hairs.

How does it all work?

Essentially, it is a way of using solar energy. The sun’s rays heat the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface. This gives the air different pressures, which creates wind. The energy created in this way is then converted into electrical energy by turbines. A wind turbine has specially shaped blades that are acted on by the force of the moving air. This force is converted into mechanical energy and then, by means of a generator, into electrical energy.

The principle is essentially the same as in traditional windmills. In those, however, wind energy is converted only into mechanical energy and used directly, for example to grind grain or pump water.

If your hate could be turned into electricity, it would light up the whole world – Tesla

Wind turbines are more common in the West

Yes, that is the bitter truth. In neighbouring countries, though, wind turbines are far more common. Just look at Germany or Austria and you will see the difference straight away. Offshore wind farms, which you will find out at sea, are also popular. As a matter of interest, wind energy powers 100% of trains in the Netherlands. In Denmark, wind energy produces 40% of electricity. Wind turbines cover less than 1% of the energy consumed in the Czech Republic. You can see how big the difference is. The potential is there, but the effort…

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

The positives definitely include:

Advantages

• They use a renewable and inexhaustible energy source.
• Using the wind is free.
• They release no greenhouse gases or other harmful substances during operation.

Disadvantages

• Output depends on the current strength and direction of the wind.
• A turbine has a significant impact on the look of the surrounding landscape. 
• Methods of recycling turbine structures are inadequate and very expensive.
• Given the higher purchase price, the service life of wind turbines is relatively short.
• They produce periodic aerodynamic noise, which can affect people’s mental wellbeing.

Using a small wind turbine

Not many consumers have experience with a home wind turbine. They vary in price, design and output. How much energy a wind turbine produces depends on the weather conditions and on the type and location of the turbine. Micro turbines produce up to 5 kW, and the wind energy is used, for example, to heat water.

Larger home turbines are used as an additional energy source. They are usually connected to the grid, and energy companies buy back the surplus energy. Their output is generally up to 60 kW.

The future of energy

Wind energy has been very popular in recent years, but it is becoming clear that the future may not be what we thought. The main reason is the difficult recycling or disposal mentioned earlier. According to estimates by American scientists, within 20 years the USA will have to deal with roughly 720,000 tonnes of waste from old turbines. Yet 90% of a turbine’s parts are recyclable or can be sold. The big problem, however, lies with the blades, which are made of a mixture of resin and fibreglass, similar to space rockets. Transporting them is therefore expensive and environmentally unfriendly, and putting them in landfill is almost impossible because of their size. Europe is in a slightly better position thanks to its waste management rules, and some companies resell older parts, for example. Even so, this pressing problem will need to be solved as soon as possible.