Wind Turbines Solar Power Energy
Generation Guide
Wind Turbines With Larger Blades
By J K Hellios
In the early days, birds attempting to fly through
blades from wind turbines, were often killed. This is
one of the major arguments used by some environmentalists
and opponents against the establishment of wind farms.
In the first years, there was a high toll from birds
hitting turbine towers. Many of the first towers with
these turbines, were shaped like oil derricks. There
were four legs and a latticework of struts surrounding
them. These lattices were attractive and used as perches
by birds.
These first turbines also turned much faster. The result,
was that it was not possible for a bird to fly between
the blades, as the blades whirled around too fast.
Wind Farms In Windy Locations
Another problem, was the choice of placement of wind
turbines, as these locations often coincided with the
best routes for bird migration. Wind turbines are usually
placed in windy locations, and this is the same reason
that birds fly the same direction, to take advantage
of windy conditions.
Wind power companies are taking steps to reduce the
danger to birds. One step, is to locate wind farms in
places with smaller bird populations and keeping towers
away from direct flight paths. Using advice from wildlife
biologists, helps planners to identify bird migration
patterns when looking for potential sites for wind farms.
A Single Tower With Larger And Slower Blades
New technology has changed since the first towers.
New wind turbines are no longer on the lattice structures
of past years, but high on a single tower. This cuts
out the option for birds perching near wind turbines.
Blades are now larger, with a bigger surface area, turn
much slower and generate more electricity.
These days, more birds are killed or are injured each
year by collisions with windows, tall buildings and
vehicles, than are killed by flying into wind turbines.
Collaborating With Scientists And Environmentalists
It seems many of the statistics mentioned by opponents
of wind farms, are from prior to 2000, before the introduction
of "high capacity" turbines. It’s not often
that the post-2000 statistics are used in these claims.
This leads to the suspicion that, rather than showing
a genuine concern of the danger to birds, some people
may be using these statistics simply as a convenient
excuse to fight the idea of setting up a wind farm in
their area.
Many wind companies are now collaborating with scientists
and environmentalists to continue to increase the safety
of birds around wind turbines.
About the Author:
J K Hellios has written a number of articles on solar
power and renewable energy including Solar
Powered Homes, Solar
Powered Lights, Solar Powered
Cars.
Keep a lookout for more articles available on this website
soon.
Little Known Wind Power Facts.....
Wind energy has become a topic for debate. Though it
costs quite a lot to initially set up the wind farms
to power homes and businesses, in the long run it begins
to pay off.
Many cities and countries around the globe are looking
at ways they can help the Earth’s environment and using
the wind is one of the best answers besides solar power.
Fossil fuels cannot be relied upon for future use for
heating and cooling your home. It is time to start thinking
about using the wind as a source of energy.
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