Store Wind Energy

Wind energy is a clean and useful renewable natural form of energy. It is converted into wind power to generate electricity by using wind turbines. Wind turbines produce electricity only when the wind is blowing. They, together with constantly high wind speeds, produce the best result in generating electricity.

Wind energy is not constantly available and unreliable, and is dependent upon whether the wind is blowing or not. Wind is a natural resource and we cannot dictate how it is going to blow for our energy needs. It blows as fast as it wants, and when it wants. Wind turbines generate electricity only when the wind is present, and therefore they are not able to generate power every hour of the day. That makes one wonder what will happen if there is no wind? Imagine this: When there is wind, we have light to use, no wind means there will be no light. How amusing this is. This leads many to find ways to store wind energy for use during the times when there is no wind. Storing generated wind energy during times of strong wind, and using it when there is not enough wind increases the usability of wind energy.

 

One of the ways to store wind energy is compressed air, also known as compressed air energy storage (CAES). This system involves converting wind energy generated from wind turbines into compressed air which can be used to produce electricity when there is no wind, or during peak hours. The compressed air is stored in large underground caverns or above-ground storage tanks. This is best used in conjunction with natural wind energy. This means use high power natural wind to generate electricity, and when there is an indication that there is not enough or no natural wind power, switch to compressed air energy storage system.

Another way to store wind energy is by using batteries. Use the generated electricity from wind turbines to charge the batteries. When there is not enough, or no natural wind power, switch to these back-up batteries that are already charged up to generate power.

Using hydrogen is yet another way to store wind energy. Excess wind energy is stored in hydrogen fuel cells. This method involves splitting water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen by electricity which is generated from wind turbines. The separated hydrogen is then stored in hydrogen fuel cells for electricity generation when there is no wind.

Discuss It!

Wind Option said:

Some engineers at Hydrogenics are currently testing wind-hydrogen storage system in Germany. I have posted something about it in my personal blog: http://www.windoption.com

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