Page - 124 - in Water, Energy, and Environment - A Primer

sources to average out variations from individual turbines, and used variousmethods to store excesswind-generated electricity for use as needed. In addition, weather prediction permits the electric power network to be better prepared for the predictable variations in production that occur, and offshore power production (discussed below), where noise and visual impacts aremitigated, is receiving increasing attention. 8.4.2.2 History Windenergyhasalonghistory.Formorethantwothousandyears wind power has been used to pump water and grind grains, wind-powered ships supported Dutch economic dominance in the 17th century, wind-powered pumps drained the Dutch wetlands, and in arid regions wind-powered pumps have providedwater for livestock and agriculture. The first windmill used for the production of electric power was built in Scotland in 1887. Shortly thereafter a more reliable 12kWmachine was designed and built in the US, and remained in use until 1900. Further development occurred throughout the 20th century, resulting in turbines suitable for use on farms and for utility-scale power generation. Today, wind turbines range in size from small units suitable for individual homes, to 2–3MWturbines for use in onshorewind farms, to 6–8 MW turbines for deployment offshore. Larger offshorewind turbines are in development. 8.4.2.3 Anonshore limitation An interesting aspect of US onshore capacity is the limitation imposed by existing highways – components for wind turbines beyond agiven size (about 3MW)cannot be accommodated on existing roads (seeFigure 8.13). One response being examined is manufacturing turbine components (towers, blades, generators) in place, usingmovable manufacturing systems. Another response is to move power productionoffshore. Water,Energy, andEnvironment–APrimer124