 |
| From Things-you-don't-see-everyday |
This was an eye opener. I never knew there were so many wind farms across the country.
Such as indicated here:
http://www.awea.org/projects/
Surprisingly, Ohio has only 7. Ironically enough, we are one of the largest manufacturers of Wind Turbines with GE Wind turbines.
 |
| From Things-you-don't-see-everyday |
What I could not understand was why there were so many wind turbines not running. This just seemed like such a waste. It was VERY windy; I would say the wind speed had to be at least 20 mph.
Curious, I did some looking and found this:
http://chicago.straightdope.com/sdc20091224.php
On to the heart of the matter: why lock down the turbines when the breeze is really blowing and you could pump out some serious juice? You've already guessed the reason: for fear the big windmills will rip themselves apart if the gale gets too fierce. The danger isn't strictly theoretical — check out the Danish wind turbine accident on YouTube. Horizon's turbines start generating electricity when the wind reaches 6 to 9 MPH and reach maximum output at 22-25 MPH. They automatically shut down above 42-44 MPH, known in the business as the cutout speed. When wind speed drops below that level, operation automatically resumes.
Also, here are some pretty decent videos on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZwHkJ52-tc&feature=related
 |
| From Things-you-don't-see-everyday |
 |
| From Things-you-don't-see-everyday |
