Problems with Wind Power

One of the nick names for wind turbines is "eagle slicers".  Birds have never developed any behavioral habits to avoid the turbines.   Developments at California's Altamont Pass have been on hold while researchers study ways to reduce bird collisions with turbines. The results of a four-year study the California Energy Commission released on August 10, 2004 predict that several measures could reduce bird deaths by up to 50 percent for some species at Altamont Pass. The study, done by a private consultant, estimates that 1,766 to 4,721 birds, of which 881 to 1300 are protected raptors, are killed annually at Altamont Pass, the world's largest wind farm region. Researchers studied bird behaviors, raptor prey species availability, wind turbine and tower design and location, landscape attributes, and range management practices. The goal was to develop models that could be used to predict high- collision risk situations. Researchers concluded the most effective solution to reducing bird collisions in the area is to replace the numerous small existing turbines with fewer larger turbines on taller towers. The newer turbines are more efficient, with one turbine generating the same capacity as seven to ten older ones.

Other recommendations include: relocating selected highly dangerous turbines; removing broken and non-operating turbines; installing structures at the ends of turbine strings to divert birds around the turbines; and developing management practices, other than poisoning, to control rodents—food sources for birds—that may congregate around the base of turbines. The 520-page report "Developing Methods to Reduce Bird Mortality in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area," is available on the California Energy Commission's Web site.

Another solution has been suggested by Karen Leveen of SLS partners she has filed a provisional patent that will prevent birds from flying into the "whirl" of wind turbine blades.   The modification to the blades adds a very small fraction to the cost of the wind turbine and should be highly effective at alerting birds of the presence of a "whirl" of a turbine in their path.

Links

What is a TVH?

See a model of a Turbine and Tower

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