the PV system is unfortunately very limited in its capabilities
Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2025 8:36 am
Despite all the advantages, a photovoltaic system is not a general solution for the sole supply of electricity in winter, so other options for generating environmentally friendly energy are also coming into focus. In particular, in a rainy winter, as is the case this year, The reason for this is the refraction of light caused by the rain, so it can be said in general that the reduction in visibility correlates with the reduction in performance of the system.
Another way to ensure an environmentally friendly energy supply from natural conditions is to use wind turbines. Today, these wind-powered giants cover around 4% of the global energy supply. But is this functionality also guaranteed in winter or do we have to make significant compromises in terms of the efficiency of wind turbines in cold, snow and ice?
No, because around two thirds of all wind power generation takes place in the winter months! This is mainly because the earth absorbs less energy from the sun in winter. This causes the air temperature to drop, which leads slovenia consumer email list to a reduction in air density. The cold air is then heavier than the warm air and therefore sinks. This leads to an increase in air pressure in deeper layers and to a difference in the air pressure conditions between high and low layers. This difference in air pressure results in a pressure equalization, which manifests itself in the form of wind. In winter, the air in the lower layers of the earth's atmosphere is less dense and the air pressure is higher than in the higher layers, which makes the wind stronger.
However, not every wind movement can be used to generate energy; according to Betz's law, a maximum of 59.26% of the energy mechanically transferred to the rotor blades in a wind turbine can be converted into electrical energy.
Another factor that can affect the functionality and efficiency of wind turbines in winter is the formation of ice blocks on the rotor blades. This is dangerous for humans and animals, as the ice blocks, which can weigh several kilograms, can be thrown hundreds of meters, but it also has a negative impact on the aerodynamic function of the rotor blades. This problem can result in a loss of up to 10% in annual efficiency, so it is obviously not insignificant. To increase the safety of the turbines, sensors are often installed that ensure that the wind turbines switch themselves off if the ice builds up too much.
hydropower
When using hydropower, on the other hand, you don't have to worry about frozen rotors or flying blocks of ice. It is still important that hydropower is not generalized, because there are mainly two types of hydroelectric power plants: run-of-river power plants and storage power plants.
Both types work in a similar way: water is held back by a dam and then passed through one or more turbines, which in turn drive a generator. These generators convert the rotational energy of the turbines into electrical energy, which can then be fed into the power grid.
Another way to ensure an environmentally friendly energy supply from natural conditions is to use wind turbines. Today, these wind-powered giants cover around 4% of the global energy supply. But is this functionality also guaranteed in winter or do we have to make significant compromises in terms of the efficiency of wind turbines in cold, snow and ice?
No, because around two thirds of all wind power generation takes place in the winter months! This is mainly because the earth absorbs less energy from the sun in winter. This causes the air temperature to drop, which leads slovenia consumer email list to a reduction in air density. The cold air is then heavier than the warm air and therefore sinks. This leads to an increase in air pressure in deeper layers and to a difference in the air pressure conditions between high and low layers. This difference in air pressure results in a pressure equalization, which manifests itself in the form of wind. In winter, the air in the lower layers of the earth's atmosphere is less dense and the air pressure is higher than in the higher layers, which makes the wind stronger.
However, not every wind movement can be used to generate energy; according to Betz's law, a maximum of 59.26% of the energy mechanically transferred to the rotor blades in a wind turbine can be converted into electrical energy.
Another factor that can affect the functionality and efficiency of wind turbines in winter is the formation of ice blocks on the rotor blades. This is dangerous for humans and animals, as the ice blocks, which can weigh several kilograms, can be thrown hundreds of meters, but it also has a negative impact on the aerodynamic function of the rotor blades. This problem can result in a loss of up to 10% in annual efficiency, so it is obviously not insignificant. To increase the safety of the turbines, sensors are often installed that ensure that the wind turbines switch themselves off if the ice builds up too much.
hydropower
When using hydropower, on the other hand, you don't have to worry about frozen rotors or flying blocks of ice. It is still important that hydropower is not generalized, because there are mainly two types of hydroelectric power plants: run-of-river power plants and storage power plants.
Both types work in a similar way: water is held back by a dam and then passed through one or more turbines, which in turn drive a generator. These generators convert the rotational energy of the turbines into electrical energy, which can then be fed into the power grid.