The Switch is taking part in the Global Wind Day celebrations on June 15, 2011. To mark the occasion, we have listed 7 facts about the power and potential of wind.
Fact 1
Geographic spread: Wind blows strong
At the end of 2010, there was a total installed capacity of 199.5 GW in commercial use in over 80 countries worldwide. The goal is to reach a global total of 1,000 GW of wind power energy production by 2020.
Wind is currently the fastest growing electricity generating technology with its annual new installed capacity growing an average of 27.8% for the past 5 years. To date, The Switch has delivered 5 GW of the world’s total installed capacity.
Fact 2
For the birds! And other wildlife
Although often blamed for an enormous amount of bird deaths, wind power in fact is much less harmful to birds that other types of fossil fuels, including those caused by accidental oil spills. Posing a much larger risk to birds are buildings, windows, cars, radio and cell towers – and power lines. Estimated globally, house cats kill between 100-200 million birds compared with the 33,000 birds killed in wind turbine collisions. Plus, as wind turbine blades increase in size and efficiency, the slower their rotation – making it even easier for birds to dodge.
The wind industry closely collaborates with bird and wildlife organizations by monitoring migration patterns and proactively reducing risk to wildlife.
Fact 3
Small footprints on the ground. Land alive!
The amount of land needed to install a new wind turbine is minimal, even when considering the roads and substations needed to service the turbine and transmit the energy to the grid. The original land can continue to be used for farming, harvesting, grazing, hunting, outdoor recreation or other uses, bringing significant additional income to the property owners.
A single 1.8 MW turbine powered by The Switch generator and converter annually supplies about 5 million Kwh, enough electricity to power 500 average homes.
Fact 4
Lower pollution problems. Sounds of silence
When listening to all the noises around us, it’s amazing to know that a wind turbine’s decibel level is only about 45 at a distance of 300 to 600 meters. This is no louder than a kitchen refrigerator. In comparison, your own home comes in at around 50 dB, an office environment at an average of 65 dB, inside a car at 85, and stereo music at 95.
The wind industry in fact also eliminates all air and water pollution typically associated with fossil fuels. The Switch is committed to constantly caring for your environment by making renewable technology the preferred choice of the future.
Fact 5
Fountain of energy. Water savings
Wind power uses virtually no water – a fact that no other form of energy production can boast. Small amounts of water are used to clean the blades to remove dust and other dirt. Wind power uses 1/600 as much water per electricity unit produced as nuclear, 1/500 as much as coal, and 1/250 as much as natural gas. Switching to wind power can save enormous amounts of water over time and is ideal for water-scare areas.
Normally, the only external cooling media for wind turbines is the surrounding air. Liquid is used, but within a closed internal circuit that does not require any fresh supply. Also liquid-cooled converters like The Switch offers have become the choice in the industry, because they allow better power density.
Fact 6
What wind costs: Price reduction!
Wind power is one of the most affordable forms of new energy. It competes closely in price with natural gas in certain areas. But is less than building new coal or nuclear plants. Once a wind turbine is up and operational, the marginal cost of wind power energy is less than 1 cent per kW. And its “fuel” is free, protecting consumers from nasty price fluctuations.
The overall cost structure of wind turbines is coming down, now that more specialized technology, such as permanent magnet generators from The Switch, is available to maximize power yields.
Fact 7
Counting on the wind: Predictable performance
Despite the fact that the wind is always changing, it still represents one of the most predictable forms of energy. It is even possible to forecast the kW price for electricity from wind. And unlike fossil fuel, there is never a shortage. Even developing countries without natural fossil fuel resources can turn to wind as a proven solution.
Component suppliers, like The Switch, are working to ensure that the availability of wind turbines is higher than 98% over an average lifetime of 20 years.
Sources: “World Market Update 2010”, BTM Consult; “How to Talk to a Wind Skeptic”, American Wind Power; “About Turbines”, Rochester Solar Technologies; Wikipedia.
