IndexIntroductionAnalysisFeasibility in South AfricaAdvantages of Wind EnergyConclusionIntroductionCoal has been a source of energy for various countries within and around the world for many decades. This rock is formally identified as a dark, hardened sedimentary rock, formed from decaying plant substances which are then further burned and used as fuel thus providing energy for various tasks. Rock formation can take several years compared to turning rock into fuel, however the process in which rock is converted into fuel has a negative impact on the environment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay In South Africa, coal has been used to provide energy for domestic and industrial use since the discovery of the fuel on South African territory, as a result, coal mining has begun in various regions of the country that possess this rock that provides energy. According to studies conducted by Energy, approximately 77% of the country's main energy needs come from this fuel. This is however due to the easy access and large quantities of fuel on South African territory; these coal mines are destroying the land and putting the health of workers inside the mines at risk as inhaling underground coal fumes can cause server health problems. Furthermore, to create the necessary energy, the rock must be burned and further processed to create energy. This releases greenhouse gases, polluting the atmosphere and harming those who constantly inhale the substance. To prevent loss of life and preserve our environment, the country needs to adapt to an alternative and eco-friendly energy source. However, there are numerous substitutes that the country could consider; a viable option would be to use wind energy as South Africa's main source of energy supply, this is due to the available land within the country along with the strong winds received along the country's coastal regions as well as those further inland. Research will be carried out to find out the feasibility of this energy source within the country, resolving questions regarding its efficiency within the country along with the benefits the country could gain from the use of wind energy. This replacement is expected to be beneficial to the country for a number of various reasons which will be discussed below. Analysis Unlike energy provided by fossil fuels such as coal, wind energy (also known as wind power) is a form of energy that is a non-polluting and renewable form of energy. In order for adequate energy to be generated through wind power, wind turbines with generators are built to operate with the assistance of prevailing winds within an area. These winds are formed by longwave radiation together with the earth's rotation. Winds form as a result of the Earth's rotation along with the distribution of longwave radiation from the sun. Solar energy heats the Earth's surface at different rates, and large landmasses warm at a faster rate than water masses. The heat received from the earth will affect the temperature of the surrounding air by cooling or warming it. Due to the density of this air when heated, that heated by the earth is forced to rise due to the warm air having a lower density as a result, being forced to rise and cool while the air surrounding the water masses will sink todue to its density value. The movement of air will further create winds while also being influenced by the Earth's rotation. The movement of air has great kinetic energy which can be converted into electrical energy with the help of wind turbines. The force of the winds against the turbine blades causes the kinetic energy to be transformed into mechanical energy which can be used for various activities, however, with the use of an integrated generator, the mechanical energy can be further advanced and converted into electricity suitable for domestic use and in various sectors. The following diagram illustrated by Chip Gribben of The Green Homes Challenge depicts various parts of a wind turbine. This will help provide a visual insight into the operation of the turbines which is explained below. The kinetic air received by the blades of the wind turbines will rotate the blades of which are connected to a shaft which further powers a generator inside the turbine. The generator transforms this energy and provides an electrical current thus providing electrical energy. The process of this transformation does not require any human labor nor does it release harmful toxins into the environment, which is why South Africa should turn to wind energy instead of the country's current energy source. Feasibility in South Africa Industrial wind energy projects are often built within areas of open land due to the space required for effective operation. The objective of placing the turbines within open terrain is due to the fact that the turbines consequently require constant air flow; these winds received by the turbines cannot be obstructed or deflected by an opposing object. However, wind energy can also be used within residential land, therefore, limiting the effectiveness of the turbine as residents have limited open land as there are various obstacles including houses and/or trees within the observed area, however wind farms can be built at a rational distance from households with the use of transmission lines which will be connected from the source to various households within a region. Research conducted by Richard Gaughan found evidence that the distance of turbines from influencers affects efficiency, further finding that household turbines require a distance of 150 meters from several wind barriers to produce sufficient energy. Additionally, the rotor blades require a height of 30 feet, higher than their obstacles. Furthermore, wind turbines built for industrial use within wind farms require a minimum rotor distance of 7 meters from each other. These studies carried out by Richard revealed that sufficient distance between the rotors will improve the performance of the turbines. As stated above, wind turbines require a large amount of space for sufficient performance. Given that several provinces in South Africa have open land, this alternative form of energy will be the most feasible as various regions of the country already possess sufficient wind and land to generate the necessary energy. According to rain harvesting, for optimal electricity production (via small turbines), the speed of the winds rotating the blades must be at a minimum speed of 16 km/h. As stated by Batteries and Energy Technologies, wind turbines commonly used in homes and therefore small in size, require a wind force between 3 and 7 on the Beaufort scale. This scale is used globally to illustrate wind strength within a region. The scale ranges from clam (0) to hurricane (12). Observations are made and forces are further classified based on their effect on surrounding objectslike trees. Larger industrial wind turbines at wind farms require a reading of 9 to 10 (±90 km/h) on the scale of the world of batteries and energy technologies. Since turbines depend on wind strength and land availability, it can be concluded that this form of energy will be sufficient in South Africa as the country currently meets these requirements. Various provinces within South Africa Africa has no inhabitants for a number of different reasons, one of which is the Northern Cape. This province is recognized as the desert area of ​​South Africa as the rainfall is low, therefore; the region's agricultural activities have limitations and at the same time limit population growth as those within this province are limited to various services. This therefore means that the province is a practical location for wind farms due to the space available. Infrastructure and vegetation within the province are therefore limited, which erases concerns about obstacles affecting turbine effectiveness. Additionally, the province receives a moderate breeze that produces enough energy to operate wind turbines. Since this province is located in an isolated desert area, it would be necessary to build transition lines that will transport the converted energy from the wind turbine farm. to cities within different places. While this will increase the cost of projects, once built, the turbines will provide enough power for a long time without the need for modifications. Furthermore, planting farms within the Northern Cape will reduce visual and noise pollution as this location is isolated and invisible/audible to residents. South Africa has several sites suitable for wind farms. Most of the country gets enough wind power to power wind turbines. Other areas where wind farm construction could be considered include the Eastern Cape. Unlike the Northern Cape, this province consistently receives strong winds. Various studies conducted by Vici Markering have shown that the province has South Africa's windiest city and windiest resort. Port Elizabeth, among those with prevailing winds, was recorded with an average wind speed of 4.3 m/s. Advantages of Wind Energy The application of wind energy in South Africa has a number of advantages. Despite being renewable and clean, this form of energy is economical because the winds are constant and independent of other factors. Furthermore, the use of this energy will help South Africa reduce the amount of pollution produced by current energy generators such as coal. The burning of these fossil fuels is toxic, however, once the country turns to wind energy as its main source of energy, the use of these natural fossil fuels will be reduced thus preserving them for generations to come. This form of energy does not release any pollutants into the Earth's atmosphere during the conversion of wind into electricity, consequently making it one of the main sources of green energy. Although turbines are believed to produce visual pollution when perceived along with noise pollution, they do not entirely jeopardize the environment by releasing toxins into the atmosphere, thus making them more viable than other energy alternatives. Concerns may arise with discussions regarding the placement of turbines as they are only effective if placed within open areas, away from obstructing objects. Given that South Africa has a large agricultural sector that supplies the country with various foods while some is traded between neighboring countries, the construction of wind farms..