Large Wind Farms Might Produce Less Energy Than Thought

06/03/2013

A study conducted by scientists from University of North Carolina and Harvard University claims that global wind power resources have been significantly overestimated.

27b33199c_sunwindturbines.jpg.492x0_q85_cropsmart300x159.jpg

Amanda S Adams and David W Keith state that production levels of 2 to 7 watts per square meter, estimated before, are unrealistic and should be brought down to not more than 0.5- 1 watt per square meter.

It is a common practice in some places to increase the number of wind turbines if the electricity demands raise. This is because previous studies indicate that more turbines per area guarantee higher power production.

The scientists, however, proved that the interactions between wind turbines have negative effect on energy generation. As Harvard’s physicist David Keith explains, the so called ‘wind shadow’ created by the turbines influences the rates, and therefore should be taken into consideration when the distance between wind turbines.

In addition, large wind farms could affect regional wind patterns, exactly because of these wind shadows. The study indicates that if a wind farm covers more than 100 square kilometers, the highest production level that can be reached would not exceed 1 watt per square meter.

According to the team, estimates that range between 2-4 watts per square meter do not consider the effect of wind turbines on local and regional wind patterns. Using a mesoscale model, the scientists were able to demonstrate that the overestimation of the energy production rates results from models that ignore the turbines effect.

To be able to plan accurately renewable energy production in the future and shape up future polices, such studies should be brought to readers attention more often.

By Le My

Same Category

Energy saving tips for your winter

04/10/2024

Clean energy brings stable electricity supply to Truong Sa Archipelago 02/11/2022
Energy shifting towards a green economy 07/10/2021
Reduce your energy bills this fall with these tips 28/09/2021
Looking to save on your energy bill? Here are some easy tips 28/09/2021

10 ways to save water at home 26/09/2021

As we face these effects of climate change, conserving water becomes increasingly important. Saving water also means saving money; the average American family spends more than $1,000 on water a year, which can be diminished significantly by addressing the way we use water in our daily lives.
Saving electricity – Practical tips that cut through the noise 26/09/2021

Power is essential for lighting and running appliances at homes and in businesses. With its ever-increasing costs, consumers constantly compare electricity in addition to other practical ways to save electricity.
Energy saving tips for the home – 7 ways to lower your bills 26/09/2021

Worried about soaring gas prices? Our energy saving tips for the home are a great way to lower gas and electricity bills and save precious cash
Quantum chemists conjure recipe to turn gold, silver and copper into vessels of green energy 23/09/2021

Quantum chemists believe gold, silver and copper could help the world take a leap towards green energy after discovering that compounds based on these metal elements and hydrogen are very promising candidates for hydrogen storage.
As heating bills go up, put your energy into keeping costs down 16/09/2021

With wholesale energy prices soaring, millions of householders will face bigger bills next month. But there are ways to save.
5 easy ways to improve energy efficiency 16/09/2021

In addition to navigating a deadly pandemic, improving energy efficiency is likely the top priority for today’s building owners facing costly, mandatory retrofits by 2025.
How to solve the investment puzzle of clean energy transitions in the developing world 19/02/2021

This article looks into three areas where efforts are needed to accelerate investments in clean energy transitions
Viet Nam News Economy Lessons from solar: Rush to invest in wind power plants to get high tariffs could overload grid 09/02/2020

The rush to invest in wind energy to take advantage of the Government's pricing incentives could lead to overloading of the national grid in a repeat of the solar scenario, experts warn.