Vita Genuit in Statera Wind Energy

Photo Documentation of Vita Genuit in Statera Wind Energy

Wind Energy Pg.1Wind Energy Pg.2Wind Energy Pg.3Wind Energy Pg.4**Digital Documentation of Vita Genuit in Statera Wind Energy**

*The following digital version has been formatted from its original version.*

**Department of Science & Energy Published May 9, 2022**

# Wind Energy

A brief report on the unique wind patterns of Gliese 581c and a study on the mechanics and application of wind turbines.

## Introduction

Perhaps the defining characteristic of Gliese 581c is the planet’s tidally locked status and the slew of natural occurrences that transpire because of it. In addition to having incredibly polarized temperatures, the difference in these temperatures forms a great divide in atmospheric pressures which causes enhanced wind patterns and conditions which range in spatial scale, velocity, and direction and has sculpted the terrain and determined the habitability of the planet. This phenomena heavily impacts our lifestyle and while it may be a hurdle to overcome, the harnessing of this energy would be the single greatest achievement for the advancement of our civilization.

### Wind Energy

For Gliese 581c, large-scale atmospheric circulation is primarily caused by the differential heating between the west and east of the Linea Divide; simply put, the extremes of the Frozen Wastelands and Heated Badlands have created the exceptional winds. Additionally, unlike Earth where winds are created based on the uneven heating of the atmosphere and irregularities on the planet, Gliese 581c has a reliable and consistent output of strong winds due to the perpetual polarized sides which adds to the long-term sustainability of this form of harvesting energy. It has been observed that winds near Campis Ventosis have repeatedly reached a 5~14 on the Beaufort Wind Force Scale which is equivalent to the conditions of severe cyclonic storms and typhoons.

Fortunately, Lacus Vitae Magna and Novum Inceptum, which is where the majority of our civilization resides, rests within the protection of mountain ranges such as the Meridianam Obice, Occidens Obice, and the Tenebris Montibus which act as shields from the turbulent winds that surround us. That being said, even within those barriers, we experience a much higher average velocity of winds compared to Earth and in some cases winds have been recorded to be potentially dangerous to safely operate in.

Therefore, the harnessing of wind energy on the outskirts of Vita Genuit in Statera would require the utmost precaution and deliberate consideration in order to commence and execute construction for wind turbines in Campis Ventosis and to further develop our energy infrastructure.

It is estimated that with a sufficient amount of wind turbines covering at least a third of the coastal territory to the west, the energy produced would be able to supply the nation’s expected energy demands, including growth, for the coming decade and it is projected that the installment of additional wind turbines and the increased efficiency of the technology would allow for a unprecedented surplus of energy which would greatly stimulate the economy and trade potential.

### Wind Turbines

The fundamental principle for Wind Turbines is that they are a mechanism for converting aerodynamic force, or wind power, into mechanical energy which can be then converted to electricity through a generator for more practical uses.

#### Basic Mechanics

When wind passess through the curved rotor blades on a turbine, the air pressure on one side of the blade decreases and because the force of the lift is greater than the force of the drag, it causes the rotor to spin. This is connected either directly to a generator to produce electricity or to a shaft and a series of gears which increases the number of revolutions to accommodate a smaller generator. Either way it is the translation of aerodynamic energy to the rotation of a generator that produces usable energy.

#### Two Types of Wind Turbines

It is noteworthy to mention the two types of turbines which are the horizontal-axis and vertical-axis turbine. The horizontal-axis turbine commonly has three blades and operates “upwind” which means it points towards the wind to function. Each blade can reach nearly 50 meters which greatly increases the potential to harness energy.

On the other hand a vertical-axis turbine is vastly smaller in scale and its unique shape makes it omnidirectional which means it doesn't have to be adjusted to point the wind to generate electricity.

For the purposes of our nation’s massive energy demands, both types of wind turbines would be used in conjunction to supply the projected energy needs. The horizontal-axis turbines would be primarily used to provide bulk power to the electric grid and would directly connect to an energy reserve to be stored as surplus in cases of emergency. Concurrently, the vertical-axis turbines would be placed closer to residential areas and would be used to power agricultural and small commercial applications.

### Challenges

The projected obstacles to fabricate the dozens, if not hundreds, of wind turbines is mostly rooted in the transportation of the turbines to remote locations while dealing with the turbulent winds we so desperately want to harness. In order to transport the various pieces of the turbines, most of which are burdensome to move, will require an elaborate and extensive system of delivering each piece along the \_ path while ensuring the safety of the workers who are operating in wind conditions that can reach 60~70 knots.

### Conclusion

For wind turbines to be manufactured and operated on an industrial scale it would require the joint cooperation of hundreds of people working in various occupations and sectors and an increase in funding for the innovation surrounding the transportation and safety aspects in order to overcome the challenges described earlier. Due to the fact that most projects to increase the capacity for wind energy are still in their developmental phases, the specifics of location and costs are still to be finalized. However, based on rudimentary cost-benefit analysis, it has been theorized that a focused effort to prioritize the production of wind turbines is in the best interests of our civilization and will greatly enable the expansion of scientific and industrial advancement in the future.