tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298568350190982130.post6447636421457184772..comments2024-03-20T05:46:39.773+00:00Comments on Irish Energy Blog: The Impact of Wind Turbine Density on Wind Farm PerformanceIrish Energy http://www.blogger.com/profile/16354100971015557625noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298568350190982130.post-42267035141062109842015-11-15T16:39:31.839+00:002015-11-15T16:39:31.839+00:00Professor David McKay was the energy advisor to th...Professor David McKay was the energy advisor to the British government for many years. He said that it is the area of ground covered by the wind farm which dictates the maximum output of electricity.<br /><br />Example: A 100 acre (40 hectare) plot of ground happens to have 12 turbines giving a maximum output of 1.5 mw each or 18 mw in total in best wind conditions. We will assume the developers got the spacing exactly correct in this case. The turbines are delivering 18 mw which is equal the potential output for the piece of ground. That figure cannot be exceeded. <br /><br />Potential output of plot of ground = 18 mw, actual output of 12 turbines = 18 mw. The same.<br /><br /><br />Next all are removed and replaced by 12 (the same number) 2 mw turbines on the same plot. The potential output of the plot is still 18 mw, but the potential output of the turbines is 24 mw. (12 X 2).<br />Potential output of plot of ground = 18 mw, potential output of turbines = 24 mw. (not the same)<br /><br />The original turbines were 100 meters in total height and the new ones are 126 meters high. The extra height may increase output slightly, but it is minor. The issue is what output will the new arrangement achieve? According to the Irish developers, the Irish department or energy and their advisers it will be 24 mw. We will hear them talk about the number of homes it will power. <br /><br />When measured over a period, it will be found that Professor McKay's opinion is correct. The output will remain the same @ 18 mw. A shortfall of 6 mw.<br /><br /><br />The effects of crowding the turbines and of he wind wake cramming will decrease the output bringing it down to 18 mw. Investors will then realise they are not getting their expected return. <br /><br />We can see the same effects in the agricultural or horticultural output of a properly managed plot of land. If it could be increased why would anyone buy more land. If you have 30 small tomatoes filling a box and replace them with bigger tomatoes, the number must decrease to fit them in. <br /><br /><br />The effect of turbulent wind wake on turbine cramming will put pressure of the mechanical parts shortening their life. It is unbelievable that the whole Irish renewable intelligentsia don't know or want to know this very simple fact. They don't seem to have a clue. Val Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03248166816744009791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298568350190982130.post-33865922003996291202015-11-14T13:01:49.516+00:002015-11-14T13:01:49.516+00:00Paul Melia, writing in the Irish Independent on 27...Paul Melia, writing in the Irish Independent on 27 October, reports that communities will be encouraged to invest in wind farms under government plans aimed at increasing support for potentially controversial projects.<br />The Taoiseach's advisory group, the National Economic and Social Council first mooted the concept of enabling local communities to invest in, and take a stake of the projects to help the State meet ambitious renewable energy targets in the NESC Wind Energy report at the Energy Ireland seminar on 'Planning for Energy Infrastructure: Engaging with Stakeholders and Communities' on 21 October 2014.<br />Since the UNECE Compliance Committee has ruled that the Irish NREAP is not in compliance with the Aarhus Convention, it would appear that the Government plans to encourage pressed citizens to invest their hard-earned savings into poorly sited plant with high operating maintenance costs to support an illegal renewable energy target.<br />Truly a case of 'Caveat Emptor'!<br /><br />=======================================================<br />The NESC Report can be viewed at http://files.nesc.ie/nesc_reports/en/139_Wind_Energy_Main_Report.pdf<br />Curiously, the report was based on yet another report from SLR Consulting commissioned by the NESC. SLR Consulting lists the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland among its 'Renewables and Low Carbon' clients.Nigel de Haashttp://www.westcorkwind.comnoreply@blogger.com