Which of the following is a disadvantage of using wind as the primary source of power for an emergency station?
[G4E11]
A. The conversion efficiency from mechanical energy to electrical energy is less than 2 percent
B. The voltage and current ratings of such systems are not compatible with amateur equipment
C. A large energy storage system is needed to supply power when the wind is not blowing
D. All of these choices are correct
The answer is C. A large energy storage system is needed to supply power when the wind is not blowing.
Now, to be fair, this “disadvantage” is common to other similar generation methods, like solar. If the sun’s not out, you’re not getting power, so you need some batteries to keep going. If its all you have, then you go with it.
B. is inaccurate, as you could theoretically design a system that fits the voltage and current requirements just fine. A. is just factually incorrect. The actual number is probably somewhere between 30%-35% (http://www.mpoweruk.com/wind_power.htm) And since we’ve already ruled out A and B, D. is therefore also incorrect.
