Wind energy utilization prospects

The chief technical, economic, and environmental aspects of wind energy utilization are considered. One approach being studied is to allow the aeroturbine RPM to vary with wind velocity and employ variable-speed, constant-frequency generating systems to obtain constant-frequency power to be pumped into existing utility mains. Study of generation costs for wind energy systems indicates that wind energy has the potential to be competitive at present as a supplemental energy source. Wind energy systems appear to be environmentally benign, though more research is needed on the impact of large scale wind energy utilization.