Wind energy conversion: is it environmentally acceptable
An overview of the current status of the knowledge regarding potential environmental impediments to the commercialization of Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) is presented. The text also identifies pertinent studies conducted in each area and summarizes the conclusions of the studies. In rough order of importance, the identified environmental impediments to the widespread use of WECS are as follows: electromagnetic interference; land use; aesthetics visual pollution; noise; and biophysical effects. Assessment of the environmental impacts of wind energy conversion system as they reflect to the five generic areas investigated is summarized. The results indicate that of the five generic areas, only the television video signal interference and specific very local impacts related to land use and aesthetics are nonnegligible factors. The severity of the television interference problem has been well studied and verified analytical relationships have been established for determining the extent of the interference zone, which in even the worst case is limited to 4 to 6 km (2 or 3 miles) from a WECS with a rotor diameter of 38 m (125 ft). Fringe reception areas, where the worst interference is encountered, generally have access to cable television, which eliminates the problem. With smaller rotor diameters, the problem should be negligible and additional investigations are currently underway to verify this hypothesis. The potential problems relating to land use and aesthetics are site-specific and depending on the nature of the problem may be relatively hard to resolve. However, it can be concluded in general there appear to be no insurmountable environmental constraints on the general widespread use of wind energy conversion systems.
- OSTI ID:
- 6742074
- Journal Information:
- J. Environ. Sci.; (United States), Vol. 23:6; Conference: 26. annual technical meeting of the Institute of Environmental Sciences, Philidelphia, PA, May 1980
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Cape Blanco Wind Farm Feasibility Study : Technical Report, No. 5. Communications Inteference.
Environmental readiness document. Large and small wind systems: commercialization Phase III planning
Related Subjects
17 WIND ENERGY
WIND TURBINES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
AESTHETICS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
INTERFERENCE
LAND USE
NOISE POLLUTION
MACHINERY
POLLUTION
RADIATIONS
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
510100* - Environment
Terrestrial- Basic Studies- (-1989)
170500 - Wind Energy- Environmental Aspects