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The Advantages & Disadvantages of WindPowered Generators

By Wanda Thibodeaux, eHow Contributor

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Scientists are very concerned with global warming as of 2010. As a result, there is a strong emphasis on producing "green" or eco-friendly sources of power. One green energy system is a wind generator system, which captures, converts and stores wind energy through turbines, generators and batteries. To determine whether a wind-powered generator system is suitable, you must consider both the advantages and disadvantages of the systems.

Renewability
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Wind energy is a completely renewable resource, because wind is generated by uneven heating and cooling of the earth's atmosphere. The materials used to create and maintain the generator systems themselves need to be manufactured from limited resources, but these are in adequate supply. The fact that wind energy is renewable means that it is an energy source that will be available for future generations for as long as the earth exists. This is a huge difference when compared to traditional systems, which have energy sources such as petroleum, which eventually will run out.

Pollution
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Wind generator systems do not emit any toxic chemicals or contribute to pollution the way other energy sources like petroleum do. This is because the energy source is pure as it is, meaning that there is no need to go through multiple steps to convert the wind energy into usable electricity. Because there are no toxic pollutants, the wind energy can be harnessed with very little chance of negatively impacting the surrounding area or the people who live near the system. This is what makes them so attractive to environmentalists.

Distribution and Variability

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Wind energy is widely distributable, but it also is highly variable. Some geographical regions such as North Dakota have an incredible potential for harnessing wind power because they experience stronger winds than other parts of the United States. This means that wind generators really aren't practical in all geographical locations. Additionally, even areas with high winds still will experience fluctuations in the amount of wind from day to day, which means that the wind power won't be completely consistent. Lastly, because wind is generated by geographical and atmospheric processes, wind patterns may not remain constant over time as the earth changes, which may leave the systems less efficient or even useless over several decades or centuries.

Cost

According to E Marine Incorporated, wind generator systems have a higher initial technology cost than other systems do, at around 80 percent. This may make them difficult for homeowners or small business owners to purchase, even though the system would be more than cost efficient over the life of the system. Nations that have poor economies also may opt to stick with more traditional energy systems because of this higher initial cost.

Land and Aesthetics

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The land that is used for the turbines cannot be used after their installation for things like farming or building. Even if the land were accessible for some purpose, the unattractiveness of the turbine structures still is a problem. Even small turbines are 30 feet or more in height, and some people can see wind turbines for miles, depending on the size of the structure.

Customization
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Wind turbines are available in many different sizes. You do not need to purchase a huge, commercially sized turbine to see a difference in your electricity bill as a homeowner. This means that wind generators can be used by virtually anyone, because people can choose the generator system that is appropriate for their electricity needs.

Read more: The Advantages & Disadvantages of Wind-Powered Generators | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_5931104_advantages-_amp_-disadvantages-wind_poweredgenerators.html#ixzz1XntguhV4

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