Harnessing the WindHarnessing the Wind

Presentation by: Shelly ShinevarPresentation by: Shelly Shinevar

Wind energy has been in use since

200 B.C.

Ancient Persian Windmills

Which state built the first modernwind turbine?

Which state has the largest wind turbine in the world?

Questions

What does this humpback What does this humpback whale have to do with wind whale have to do with wind

energy?energy?

Is using wind energy viable for me?

A small wind energy system may work for you if:

Your property has a good wind resource. (An average wind speed of 14 miles p/hr is needed.)

You have at least a half acre of land. Your local zoning codes or covenants allow wind

turbines. Your average electricity bills are $150 a month

or more. Your property is not close to utility lines. You are comfortable with long-term investments.

A Solar & Wind Estimator

Start by entering your zip code.

This will allow the site to calculate the amount of solar & wind energy available at your location.

The Solar & Wind Estimator will estimate the size and cost to install an energy system for your home or building.

Also, you can access information regarding companies closest to your location that can do your renewable energy project at an estimated cost.

http://www.solar-estimate.org/index.php?page=solar-calculator

Genoa Township Windspires

The Benefits of Wind Energy for Utilities

Wind power provides a clean source of electricity and helps keep electric rates low.

Wind energy costs have dropped over the past few years as wind turbine technology has developed.

Wind energy is now one of the most cost-effective sources of new electricity generation.

Utilities can lock in wind energy prices for 20 to 30 years because the fuel is free. That's one reason wind power has added 35% of all new generating capacity to the U.S. grid since 2007.

  Electric utilities have a unique role in bringing wind power to their retail

customers, who are expecting their electricity providers to use more clean energy.

Michigan utilities are working towards a mandate of generating 10% of the state's energy from renewable sources by 2015. As that deadline approaches, wind power

is proving to be a key component.

Kim Horrocks thinks wind turbines like this one at his store (Horrocks in Delta Township) will be a factor in making the country less dependent on foreign oil. It cost $15,000 five years ago and supplies less than 10% of their energy needs.

Future Michigan wind farms?

The future of lakeshore cities?

Current State of Wind Power in Michigan

According to the Great Lakes Wind Collaborative:

• Michigan has high potential for both onshore and offshore wind power development.

• Installed onshore wind capacity has increased from 400 MW in 1999 to 8,876 MW at the start of 2010.

• As of mid-2010, an additional 5,809 MW of onshore wind projects were underway.

• Off-shore wind projects have been proposed in all of the Great Lakes, as well as in Lake St. Clair.

• The wind sector is an ideal growth market for manufacturing firms in the Great Lakes.

According to Eric Shreffler, Director of New Markets for MEDC in 2008:“Michigan ranks fourth nationwide among states with the most

wind turbine production capacity.”

THE HARVEST WIND FARM NEAR UBLY IN THE THUMB REGION OF MICHIGAN IS A WORKING ARRAY OF

WINDMILLS PRODUCING ELECTRICAL POWER.

Offshore WindOffshore Wind

Offshore wind resources in the United States are not Offshore wind resources in the United States are not only vast; they are located near fast-growing urban only vast; they are located near fast-growing urban areas.areas.

Offshore wind development offers a source of clean, Offshore wind development offers a source of clean, domestic, renewable energy to meet electricity demands.domestic, renewable energy to meet electricity demands.

Wind farms are also likely to be built in areas that can Wind farms are also likely to be built in areas that can facilitate smooth and cost-effective integration of wind facilitate smooth and cost-effective integration of wind into the overall electric system.  into the overall electric system. 

While many other countries have wind projects installed While many other countries have wind projects installed in offshore waters, the U.S. does not yet have any in offshore waters, the U.S. does not yet have any offshore wind projects.offshore wind projects.

The future of Western Lake Michigan?

Challenges for Offshore Wind

Offshore wind power in the United States is still in its infancy, compared to land-based wind. 

Offshore wind projects must strike a viable balance between technological and economic challenges.

The offshore technology has had to adapt to more challenging environmental elements in order to be successful. 

The latest generation of offshore turbines is equipped to meet the challenges of tough weather conditions, which can limit access for routine maintenance.

Benefit: Offshore turbines can continue to take advantage of economies of scale as their size increases. 

Research buoy dedicated for Lake Michigan wind study

Date: October 7, 2011

AnswersWhich state built the first modern

wind turbine?• Vermont

(In the early 1940’s)

Which state has the largest wind turbinein the world?

• Hawaii(It stands 20 stories tall w/blades the length of a football field.)

What is biomimicry?

“The practice of developing sustainable human technologies inspired by nature.”

Whalepower Wind Turbine

Janine Benyus, an expert on biomimicry, says --Janine Benyus, an expert on biomimicry, says --

We can mimic form (the shape of a plant We can mimic form (the shape of a plant or animal).or animal).

We can mimic process.We can mimic process.

We can mimic an ecosystem (like having a We can mimic an ecosystem (like having a city that functions as well as a forest).city that functions as well as a forest).

QuoteQuote

““Those who are inspired by a Those who are inspired by a model other than Nature, a model other than Nature, a mistress above all masters, are mistress above all masters, are laboring in vain.”laboring in vain.”

Leonardo Da VinciLeonardo Da Vinci

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