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