[SustainableTompkins] wind's "growing pains"

[Simon St.Laurent]

Andy Goodell wrote:
> I had an idea with storing water which I would love to build someday. 
> The idea starts with a wind turbine which does not need to be very large 
> at all. This would pump water up (into storage somewhere). 
> Alternatively, a bike or any other form of energy which results in 
> rotation could pump the water up (treadmills, playground equip, or just 
> a hand pump). Then, when power is needed, a microhydro type of 
> rotational energy collection could be used - on demand - as long as 
> there is water with potential energy. I think this has some interesting 
> benefits since it could use clean materials mostly. Since the water flow 
> would be constant when needed, a specific power output would be 
> possible, which may eliminate the need for batteries. As much as I like 
> solar and wind power, I still see some non-sustainable aspects to using 
> batteries to store the power, which this system *may* be able to avoid 
> while still producing consistent electricity.

I've been thinking along similar lines on a small scale, and I believe 
Norway does this on a large scale in combination with hydroelectric 
dams.  Windmills pump water uphill behind the dam, and then the water is 
used for hydro as needed.

On a small scale, I don't see any tremendous added inefficiencies.  On a 
large scale, you'd probably need an already-existing hydro project.

Good stuff!

Thanks,
Simon St.Laurent
http://livingindryden.org/