An idea for how to use wind power?

[kentuck]

Most people don't like the idea of windmills on their horizon or blocking their view. My idea is to use the Interstate Highway system. We could put these wind generators along every mile of the Interstate system. Not only would they create energy from the natural wind but they would be assisted by the wind from the tractor-trailers that travel the Interstate. There should be little resistance to this idea. :-)

[FSogol]

1. Those are gusts of wind. Wind power works better with

a slow steady breeze. How about lining the top of office buildings with small windmills?

[kentuck]

2. Have you driven thru Kansas?

It's not just steady - it will almost blow your car off the road.

[FSogol]

4. Right, that's why roadside collectors won't work.

The gusts caused by trucks/traffic are too strong.

Windmills need a slow steady source. Not an intermittent strong source.

[kentuck]

5. Where can we use this wind energy?

IF all we can use is a slow steady wind?

[FSogol]

6. Wind towers are popping up all over in the Shenandoah Valley.

I also see several wind farms when driving to Pittsburgh.

Strong gusts do not prevent the placement of a tower since they have governors that shut the system off if wind speed exceeds the design maximum.

Good info here: http://www.awea.org/faq/wwt_statistics.html

[Birthmark]

3. I wonder how people feel...

...about the helix windmills? http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9595_22-6037539.html

They seem a lot more aesthetically pleasing and it's claimed that they're much quieter.

[Perky]

7. There's enough hot air in hear to electrify the nation goe at least 20 years.

[Jamastiene]

8. Good idea.

While we are at it, imagine if we could harness the wind coming out of political candidates' mouths during an election cycle. That'd be enough to cover about 1/4 of at least America's energy needs (they campaign for approximately a year for presidential elections). :P