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An offshore generator is used to produce energy from the wind. It is the constructed under water for the velocity of wind in the water is higher, compared to land, thus making it produce more energy. Converting wind as energy can be traced from early practices from ancient times. The early people use windmills, which are used to pump water. Windmills are also used to grind grains. Nowadays, wind can turn into electricity, which is one of the basic needs of the people. This is one reason why our modern technology focuses on building structures and facilities to make this happen, for the betterment of all.

Europe is the leader in using the offshore generators. In fact, they have started using it in 1991, where they are said to produce electricity as high as .8 Giga watts. By 2010, the country is the leading country to use offshore generators. Offshore wind power generator can help to produce electricity for homes, which gives the people less expense when it comes to their utilities.

Offshore generators are more expensive than the onshore generators. Nonetheless, the companies who build offshore generators are growing in size day by day, which offers more to the demand, which can lessen the price per generator in the future. In fact, a giant country like America is now investing on Offshore Generators in order to comply with the demand of cheaper electricity, since millions populate this country.

Things to Consider in Building Offshore Generators

First thing to consider is the depth of the water, where you will build the generator. The condition and the characteristic of the place where you will put the generator is also another thing to think of. Builders of the pipes must know the geology of the sea. In addition, the water wave of the sea is important, because this will ensure the stability of the construction.

Role of Technology

As the technology evolves, the stability of the generators also improves. Modified and strengthened turbines are used to adopt a more rude change in the wind, especially to the waves and ice flows in the sea. Pressurized turbines are keeping the elements to pass through the tubes that can cause corrosion. It also prevents the electricity to flow on the tubes to be safe for sailing. The turbines on the offshore generators are also bigger than on onshore generators. The structures are more detailed than on land.

All of the energy or electricity that is produced by the generator has to be transmitted on the shore, and then it will be distributed to those pipes where the energy will be transmitted again to the Electric Transformer. The energy will then pass through cable wires to be received by the consumers. These wires are hidden in the seabed to keep them from damage, which can be caused by fishing gears.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Offshore Generators

Although wind power is one of the most expensive energy producing technologies all over the world, still, the positive effects of the generator are countless. An offshore power generator, which is constructed in the water, can generate more electricity in the afternoon when the time where people need electricity the most. This could be also the answer to the global energy issues.

Offshore generators also have positive environmental effects compared to onshore generators. The noise and the visual effect is considered less than constructing wind farms onshore.  The recent studies shows that the turbines of the generator serves as artificial reefs,  which is the reason to have an increased fish counts in the area, which also impacts the marine food demand of people.

On the other hand, environmentalists are worried about the welfare of the marine life living nearby the generators. They fear that it could harm whales and other sea creatures, because of the construction and the sounds it can produce while operating. They are also afraid of the electromagnetic field it can produce, which could affect the entire habitat. However, other constructors of the generators are having continuous study on how to minimize the effects of the generators to the environment.

CONCLUSION: As human technology evolves, we should always consider the effects of these improvements in our environment. As much as possible, constructors must challenge themselves on how they can advance in the technology without risking the well-being of the environment.