By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brendan_Mckenna]Brendan Mckenna
Electric wind farm turbines at Yambuck and Codrington in South West Victoria Australia.
My daughter, my wife, and I attended the an open day to Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the "Pacific Hydro's" Codrington wind farm. We had no idea what to expect, but were in for a pleasant surprise. My Nine year old daughter "Erin" bypassed the usual kids stuff and quickly ushered us onto the bus for the 2 hour wind farm tour at nearby Yambuck /Codrington.The tour departed from Port Fairy at 10am, it was a pleasant trip to and from the Yambuck wind farm, and our local guide briefed us with some interesting facts.
What we learnt along the way:
The exact location of each tower is carefully calculated along with wind measurements of the area recorded by dedicated wind test towers.There is no chance of the towers falling over as the base foundation is made up of a massive concrete and steel reinforced pad.The turbines are constantly adjusting the direction and pitch of the blades to maximise efficiency. They automatically shut down if the wind becomes too strong (Greater than 50 Knot wind)
Acoustics:
Standing next to the base of the wind turbine you can clearly hear the swish of the rotating blades; I noted that the sound was well within my comfort zone. To give you some idea, the ongoing swish, swish, is similar (possibly less) than that of cars whizzing past at about 40 kilometers. The sound of the turbine generator can be heard if you put your ear against the base of the steel tower, otherwise the turbine itself is practically inaudible.
Power:
Pacific Hydro estimates that all of their operating projects combined produce enough clean electricity to power 600,000 homes each year. The Codrington Wind Farm produces enough power for about 10,000 homes each year
Carbon Friendly:
Pacific Hydro has calculated a rough saving of 7 million tonnes of greenhouse gas pollution since its project began operating and are aiming at avoiding a further 4 million tonnes every year with new projects coming online around the world.
Wildlife and bird Strikes:
I expected to see the odd dead bird, around the base of the mast, not so, If there is a problem with bird strikes then there was no evidence of it on our visit, the official feedback on this alleged phenomenon it is very rare if it happens at all. We noted that a handful of cows were grazing randomly around the base (as close as 5 meters) of the turbine towers. The cows were clearly indifferent to the turbines and spinning blades, they slowly wandered away to another paddock when we arrived.
Alternative Land uses:
It took me a full minute after arrival at the wind farm before I totally dismissed the idea of building a house on this magnificent land (Truly beautiful landscape overlooking the Southern Coast of Victoria.) The wind at the base of the towers was exceptionally strong, and a great place to visit., be sure to take a wind jacket.
Aesthetics:
I am told that a range of colours were considered for the turbines and masts. The white grey colour was chosen specifically as it best blends in with the surrounding cloud line. Most people I have spoken to including my daughter and wife find the wind towers an interesting addition to the beautiful coastal landscape. My daughter is always the first to point them out when we are driving down that way.
Environment:
"Erin" also discovered Pacific Hydro latest "Green Innovation." The small handout sheet was impregnated with plant seeds so that you can plant the info sheet in the garden and with a little water and time a number of small plants will grow. Erin also noticed that the environmentally friendly paper was printed using vegetable based inks.
The Future:
Upcoming wind farm installations in the United Kingdom and Europe are aiming at a 5 megawatts power capacity per tower per year. Just twenty such towers would produce around 100 mega watts capacity a year, a vast improvement on those built 10 years ago.
I believe that the new age turbines could be swapped over when an older turbine becomes superseded or problematic. According to Pacific Hydro Wind Farm production costs have fallen more than 75 percent over the last 25 Years, there is no reason why this trend should not continue.
Pros:
Clean green renewable energy, very much pollution free. Turbine and Mast Technology is always getting better. Today 5 megawatt offshore wind turbines are being installed in the UK and Europe
Cons:
Cost, On today's market you need approx 2000, 5 megawatt wind turbines to equal the capacity of one large modern," 2011 Post Fukushima Japan Nuclear Power Plant."
Conclusion:
Pacific Hydro's 10th Anniversary celebrations of the Codrington Wind farm and tour were a great success. There is clearly a big future for this type of clean and green technology particularly in remote areas. Australia has the land, with affordability being the key factor to the future.
Visit a wind farm - Tours:
Tours can be arranged at the Codrington Wind Farm, Situated along the South West Coast of Victoria near Port Fairy. Tel (03) 5568 1853 to arrange a booking.
Article by: "Brendan Mckenna"
Brendan Mckenna - "Outstanding"
A radiographer by profession (15 Years experience at two Major Hospital in Melbourne); I am yet to make a penny in my new line of work "Professional Writing."
I am allowing until November 2011 before achieving my goal and registering as a professional business - Until them I am happy to provide reviews for good products to help build what will be an outstanding professional profile.
I am currently tackling a broad range of professional writing applications including,
- Articles -Product Reviews, News, Documentary, Photography
- Editing - Written and Photographic
- Website Design and Build - Including SEO and Statistic Counts
- Concise Instruction booklets, Quick reference guides.
It is early days yet; I have already met a number of challengers in the handful of reviews I have written.
Contact Details: Brendan Mckenna - 61 Queens Rd Warrnambool Victoria Australia 3280. Email: [mailto:bmcxray@bigpond.net.au]bmcxray@bigpond.net.au or Telephone:03 5562 2111
Web: http://www.iimedsoft.com/
Copyright: Brendan Mckenna 16th June 2011 Warrnambool Victoria 3280
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Clean-Green-Renewable-Energy&id=6349714] Clean Green Renewable Energy
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