About Wind Generator Towers

Finding alternative energy sources is important because of the world's dwindling oil and coal resources and the pollution these forms of energy produce. Building wind generator towers to create alternative energy from the wind is being done around the world. Wind towers are best used in areas with average wind speeds over 10 mph and part of their allure is that they can be built on virtually any type of land. These wind towers are not a new technology. They have been around in some form for thousands of years, though their function has changed from pumping water to pumping energy.

History

Wind generator towers, more commonly known as windmills, can be found as far back that the 500s. Windmills may have begun in Persia to pump water, though the Chinese also claim the invention. The Chinese though, do not have proof of windmill usage until the 1200s. Other uses for wind generator towers in ancient times were grinding grain. Used until the late 1800s were variations on the first windmills. Production dropped off as technology advanced.

Function

The function of a wind generator tower can vary. Pumping water from the ground is the oldest known use of windmills. Grinding grain with the wind turning a grinding stone is another popular use. Modern uses of windmills now also involve the generation of electricity from the spinning rotors. Wind generator towers produce energy from the wind that can be used to power items that oil or coal normally would.

Types

The tower part of a windmill is just as important as the wind generator itself. The modern windmill has three different tower types. The tilt-up tower may be best for someone with a fear of heights, as you do not have to climb the tower, but a very large, completely cleared area of land is needed. Fixed towers are the cheapest. Climbing a fixed tower for maintenance is required. Freestanding towers are the most expensive. Used commercially, freestanding towers use the least land.

Considerations

Harming the environment, particularly birds, is a consideration when deciding to put up a wind generator tower. These towers need a great amount of cleared space. Considering their size, some people believe they are unattractive. Building these towers in the ocean is also a concern. The effects on ocean life due to the wind generator towers are unknown.

Potential

Clean energy is created by wind generator towers. Wind towers do not pollute the earth. Running out of wind is not a possibility as it is with oil or coal. The removal of a wind tower is complete and can leave no lasting effect on the earth. Many worry about the sound of windmills but the current models are much quieter. Harming animals is another concern but many try to place their towers out of the known flight patterns of birds in the area.