Energy

Energy

You may find the source useful in your investigation:

http://www.switchenergyproject.com/topics/wind#/energy-overview-wind

Answer the following questions relative to the alternative energy sources selected from the above list.
•    Maximum points are awarded for thorough and thoughtful answers.
•    List any sources used in your investigation.
•    Responses MUST be submitted via Blackboard using Safe Assign.

Questions:
1.    What causes or creates wind?
2.    How available is this resource?  Using the Wind Resource Maps accessible from the  site, http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/windmaps/ , answer the following questions:
a.    Identify the land-based locations in the US best suited as utility-scale wind resources (80-meter).  Record the range of wind speeds.
b.    Investigate the community scale (50-meter data) wind power classification for locations near Boise.  Record the wind resource potential rating and wind speed
3.    Is it affordable?  Include a discussion of infrastructure required to make it mainstream.
4.    Is it reliable?  Could it be used as a base-load source?  If not, explain why.
5.    Is it considered clean?  Compare emissions to those generated by coal or natural gas powered plants.
6.    Energy storage – what methods have been investigated particularly with regard to wind energy