Nov 23
What Are Onshore Wind Farms?
Essentially, a cluster of 2 or more wind turbines constitutes a wind farm. Those located on land are called onshore wind farms. Most contain 20 to 100 turbines. Instead of generating electricity individually, the energy from each of them is transmitted to a single large electric generator. Each wind turbine is anchored securely into the ground, usually in an open field or high on a hillside.
Although onshore wind farms remain the most common, wind farms located offshore wind, in the air, or near water are now coming into successful production.
The reason for the onshore wind farm’s popularity is that they are easier to Read the rest of this entry »
Oct 17
Why Offshore Wind Farms?
Most of us are familiar with wind farms scattered across the countryside. But as unlikely as it sounds, wind turbines are more effective when located offshore. Experts even predict they are the future of wind power.
The reason for this is simple… the wind is stronger offshore because it is not obstructed by surface objects. Particularly in deep water, the resistance on the surface of the water is minimal, and the wind can be extremely powerful.
As the name suggests, these wind farms are located offshore, in the sea. Wind turbines that look exactly the same as their onshore counterparts are built into the sea bed. The towers protrude above the water, with their blades in the open air catching powerful offshore winds. The energy generated is transported back to shore using Read the rest of this entry »
Sep 21
How Effective Are Individual Wind Turbines?
Wind farms with dozens of wind turbines are now evident onshore and offshore throughout the world. But it doesn’t necessarily follow that individual wind turbines are not effective.
A single wind turbine can be especially successful in urban or city landscapes where available vacant land is scarce. It can be just as effective in small rural towns. One wind turbine alone can generate a lot of electricity in a relatively small footprint, and at an affordable cost. As a matter of fact, Read the rest of this entry »
Aug 17
Do You Know What Wind Turbines Are?
Scattered across the countryside all over the world are structures that look like poles with a propeller at the top. Most of them are fairly tall, usually about 20 ft to 40 ft tall. But some of them are really huge, 100 ft plus! Scaled down versions are now marketed for urban and city locations.
Wind turbines typically feature a propeller with three struts, but in some newer designs the propeller is a circle filled with fins instead of struts. Normally, the struts or blades (or fins) move very quickly. Blades on the newer behemoths move very slowly, but are said to Read the rest of this entry »
Jul 14
What Is The Environmental Effect Of Wind Turbines?
When people talk of the environmental effect of wind turbines and wind power, they often forget to mention the problems wind turbines cause to local wildlife.
White is the color of choice for most wind turbines. While this may be aesthetically pleasing to people because it helps the structures blend with the clouds, it makes them hazardous to flying creatures.
While statistics reveal that their effect on birds is negligible, it is becoming apparent that they do impact bats. Nocturnal and blind, winged bats are becoming Read the rest of this entry »
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