For countless generations, humans have traveled the world by boat propelled by the wind. But what if we could start using wind energy for our daily commutes?
We need to adopt fresh, creative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent global warming and the negative repercussions that go along with it.
The use of wind energy to power automobiles is one of the current study topics.
Wind Energy in Transport Industry
Wind energy is used for transportation and has been for a very long time. The range of wind-powered technologies is now expanding to include the use of wind energy to power contemporary automobiles.
The ability of wind energy can be utilized in one of two ways to power future vehicles:
1. Cars Powered by An Internal Wind Turbine
Although this approach has not yet been fully established, numerous teams and researchers are working hard to develop future road-ready automobiles.
But many of these cars resemble motorcycles or bicycles more than automobiles by having 3 wheels.
These wind-powered automobiles are not yet perfected, so they won’t be able to travel at great speeds without the aid of outside energy sources. But they are well on their way to being fantastic prospects.
2. Hydrogen Fuel
The production of hydrogen to fuel the vehicle is the second-way wind energy may be used to power transportation.
These automobiles solely emit water as a fuel byproduct. Because they are not solely dependent on wind, these cars are significantly more dependable.
These vehicles have the same shape as regular cars and perform similarly.
Air movement is the source of wind energy. This airflow is captured and used to either generate electricity or drive machinery.
Cars can run thanks to the electricity produced by wind energy and the powering of machines.
Wind-only vehicles have been developed, making them a potential complement to our future of renewable energy, although they are not yet finalized. A future where cars run on renewable energy depends on funding, research, and innovation.
What Role Does Wind Energy Play in Transportation?
Wind, water, and the sun outperform other energy alternatives, according to a Stanford News report. If this is the case, then switching to wind energy to power cars would be a major step forward in the fight against global warming.
A more affordable and effective approach to provide movement through transportation is by using wind power to generate electricity to power motors.
It’s interesting to think about how wind energy might work as a catalyst for the adoption of renewable energy sources in the automotive sector. However, there are still problems with using wind to power vehicles right now.
These problems consist of:
Seasonal Variations in Wind Strength
The utilization of wind energy to power cars has considerable challenges due to seasonal variations. If you give it some thought, the wind frequently blows more in the winter than it does in the spring.
Due to these widespread patterns, drivers of cars that are exclusively powered by the wind may need to reroute their routes during months with lower wind speeds. This is because their vehicles won’t be receiving as much electricity from the wind.
Additionally, the quantity of wind that different states and regions experience varies. I’ve lived in several states with differing altitudes, and the daily amounts of wind there vary quite a little.
This would imply that using a wind-powered car to travel between locations would be more difficult for residents of states with lower wind speeds.
Weather Patterns
Weather patterns are a second problem since they affect wind patterns. Because the wind does not always blow, driving an automobile is challenging.
A strong storm is one example of a weather pattern that will readily propel a vehicle with the wind.
On the other hand, it’s possible to experience clear days without any wind. Using only wind to power cars is nearly unfeasible due to this inconsistency.
The Amount of Wind Energy Required to Power Vehicles Is Insane
The estimated amount of energy that cars would need to run on wind is a formidable problem, which I believe to be a significant topic. More research is necessary to fully understand the logistics involved in processing wind energy to power cars in the most effective manner.
Can Wind Turbines Power Electric vehicles?
During the initial charging of the R1 electric car, the wind turbine will be mounted. The firm (Tesla) plans to construct a 2.8-megawatt wind turbine on the east side of its manufacturing facility in Illinois.
A wind turbine will be used to charge the new R1 vehicles for the first time.
Tesla batteries are particularly effective at storing a lot of power.
The gadget can be used to store electricity produced by solar or wind power systems or to supply power while the grid is down.
Due to their potential to produce a significant amount of power, wind turbines are usually situated in locations with high flow rates.
A Tesla battery can be used to power this turbine, offering a cheap and effective power source. This positioning of the turbine in the high-flow area charges both the battery and the turbine.
Future of Electric Vehicles (In the Light of Wind Energy)
“Eolic,” is the only wind-powered vehicle currently in use.
The worldwide automobile industry is pushing for the development of cars that use alternative fuels or regenerative technology, which can reduce a car’s operating expenses, and generate fewer harmful emissions.
The drag caused by wind turbines will most likely increase fuel consumption relative to the energy the turbine produces. While Jerry is the future of auto insurance, electric vehicles are the future of the automotive sector.
How Quickly Can a Car Run On Wind Power?
In international competition, iceboat racing frequently reaches speeds of 59 knots (109 km/h) and higher, as well as 48 knots (89 km/h) or higher.
When the propeller rotates counter to what was anticipated, the wind is pushed backward. That causes the car to go ahead, turn the wheels, and then accelerate more.
Gathering It Up
Researchers are working hard to harness wind power, especially when it comes to using it for transportation.
The climate catastrophe can disappear if everyone in the world switches from driving fossil fuel-powered automobiles to driving wind-powered cars. Sadly, vehicles powered only by wind cannot yet securely travel on public roads.
But that does not imply that they will never be prepared.
References
- https://www.greenorbits.com/wind-energy-transportation/
- https://www.osvehicle.com/the-advantages-and-challenges-of-using-wind-power-to-power-electric-cars/
