How to Use Gold in Wind Turbine Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

How to Use Gold in Wind Turbine - Case Study Example This explains the re-emergence of wind power as a green and sustainable source of energy. The argument behind the re-emergence of wind powers source of energy cannot only be looked at in the context of milling rain or pumping of water as was the case in the past, but is all about the energy needs that have grown due to globalization and industrialization (Schmid and Klein 1990, p.17). Wind power is generally harnessed from wind in motion, which is transformed into energy with the help of a wind turbine. Blaabjerg and Chen (2006 p.1) note that wind turbine has been one of the fastest growing renewable energy technologies. Its development began in the 1980s with just some tens of kilowatts in terms of power rating to the current megawatts. Blaabjerg and Chen argue that in the past, production of wind power did not have a lot of impact in the system of power operation and control, but today it contributes a lot in energy supply since the level of power penetration is on the rapid increa se (Paraschivoiu 2002 p.45). In the beginning, the technology used in wind turbine was generally the squirrel-cage induction generators, which were directly being connected to the grid. During this time, there were no active controls of active power reactors. The parameters used for control has become necessary due to the increase in the power range for the wind turbines. Blaabjerg and Chen note that the introduction of power electronics has led to a change in the basic characteristics of the wind turbine from a source of energy to an active source of power. In recent times, many nations are making a rash toward the use of gold in the manufacture of the wind turbines. This paper will discuss the main parts that make up a wind turbine and their functions. The paper will also discuss the choice of materials that are used in the manufacture of the major parts and where gold as a raw material is used under the current design and where it can be used. Main Parts Of A Wind Turbine And The ir Functions Ancona and Mc Veigh (2001 p.1) note that wind turbines usually come in a varying sizes and configurations, built from different materials. The wind turbine consists of four main parts; the rotor which has wing-shaped blades connected to a hub; a nacelle which holds a drivetrain consisting of a gearbox, support bearing, connecting shaft, the generator and the machinery; a tower; and the electrical equipment mounted on the ground Ancona and Mc Veigh (2001 p.3). Turbine Rotor Blade The turbine rotor is the part that coverts the alternating wind energy into a mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy via a generator, which is then moved to the grid with the help of a transformer and lines of transmission. Within the wind turbine there exists a blade aerodynamically designed that captures the wind power and converts it to rotating mechanical energy. Blaabjerg and Chen (2006 p.3) note that the number of blades that make the rotor may vary. The speed of rotation usually decreases with an increase in the radius of the blades. For instance, for a wind turbine of megawatt range, the speed of rotation ranges between 10-15 rpm. The blades exist in different sizes from about 34 to 55 meters. The rotor blades are made of materials such as carbon fiber, balsa wood, and fiberglass with high tensile ratio. The materials are usually modeled to form airfoils that