Introduction
In recent years, a greater focus has been placed on lowering our CO2 emissions and locating alternative energy sources to reduce our usage of natural resources and slow the effects of global warming on our planet. One such alternative energy source is wind energy. Wind energy is commonly viewed as a "free" source of energy because wind is everywhere - we only need to begin harvesting it. Due to the climate, Newfoundland would appear to be an obvious choice to for a wind farm. Many people support the principle of wind energy however they oppose having them located "in their backyard" (Gibbons, 2014) due to the many problems associated with their installation and usage.
Problems associated with the installation and usage of wind …show more content…
For example, the Enercon E-82 E2 / 2000 kW has a cut-out wind speed of 28 - 34 m/s or 101 - 122 km/h (E-82). A cut-out wind speed is the speed at which there is a risk of damage to the turbine. At this speed, the turbine employs a braking system to bring the turbine to a halt (Wind turbine ouput). This is not a major concern as weather records indicate that for the months of June to August 2014, there was not a single day with wind speeds in this range (Climate). This means that during these months, wind turbines would only be inactive as a result of repairs and maintenance.
Many people also oppose the installation of wind turbines due to the reduction of housing values in the surrounding area. In England, a study found that "prices in postcodes where wind farms are close and visible are reduced substantially over the period in which a wind farm becomes operational" (Gibbons, 2014). Their results …show more content…
The study also stated that as turbine tower height increases, more bird collisions were reported. This number will likely increase as more turbines are built across the United States to meet the United States Department of Energy 's goal to have 20% of total energy generated from wind turbines by 2030. (Estimates of bird collision, 2013).
The issue of ice shedding
The problem of ice shedding has the chance to be a major problem in Newfoundland due to our climate. The frequent cold weather and long winters can create many opportunities for ice to form on the blades of a turbine. Ice shedding may affect turbine operation as well as pose a risk to the general public and surrounding areas. These risks include ice and ice fragments slipping free from the blades and being thrown through the air. This falling ice can pose problems for both people and property. A 2007 study revealed that: A fixed dwelling has an impact probability of 1 strike per 62500 years. A vehicle on a road at a minimum distance of 200m has an impact probability of 1 strike per 100000
In recent years, a greater focus has been placed on lowering our CO2 emissions and locating alternative energy sources to reduce our usage of natural resources and slow the effects of global warming on our planet. One such alternative energy source is wind energy. Wind energy is commonly viewed as a "free" source of energy because wind is everywhere - we only need to begin harvesting it. Due to the climate, Newfoundland would appear to be an obvious choice to for a wind farm. Many people support the principle of wind energy however they oppose having them located "in their backyard" (Gibbons, 2014) due to the many problems associated with their installation and usage.
Problems associated with the installation and usage of wind …show more content…
For example, the Enercon E-82 E2 / 2000 kW has a cut-out wind speed of 28 - 34 m/s or 101 - 122 km/h (E-82). A cut-out wind speed is the speed at which there is a risk of damage to the turbine. At this speed, the turbine employs a braking system to bring the turbine to a halt (Wind turbine ouput). This is not a major concern as weather records indicate that for the months of June to August 2014, there was not a single day with wind speeds in this range (Climate). This means that during these months, wind turbines would only be inactive as a result of repairs and maintenance.
Many people also oppose the installation of wind turbines due to the reduction of housing values in the surrounding area. In England, a study found that "prices in postcodes where wind farms are close and visible are reduced substantially over the period in which a wind farm becomes operational" (Gibbons, 2014). Their results …show more content…
The study also stated that as turbine tower height increases, more bird collisions were reported. This number will likely increase as more turbines are built across the United States to meet the United States Department of Energy 's goal to have 20% of total energy generated from wind turbines by 2030. (Estimates of bird collision, 2013).
The issue of ice shedding
The problem of ice shedding has the chance to be a major problem in Newfoundland due to our climate. The frequent cold weather and long winters can create many opportunities for ice to form on the blades of a turbine. Ice shedding may affect turbine operation as well as pose a risk to the general public and surrounding areas. These risks include ice and ice fragments slipping free from the blades and being thrown through the air. This falling ice can pose problems for both people and property. A 2007 study revealed that: A fixed dwelling has an impact probability of 1 strike per 62500 years. A vehicle on a road at a minimum distance of 200m has an impact probability of 1 strike per 100000