They cause an impact - and are not green
WITH regard to the recent letter regarding the possible construction of a wind farm within this locality, there are one or two points that may be of interest. The demand for electrical power varies considerably (and often suddenly) over both very long and
WITH regard to the recent letter regarding the possible construction of a wind farm within this locality, there are one or two points that may be of interest.
The demand for electrical power varies considerably (and often suddenly) over both very long and very short time periods.
This means that the supply must be capable of meeting this fluctuating demand virtually instantly if power reduction or power cuts are to be avoided.
The way in which demand is equalled by supply is that the generating system runs a percentage of its capacity in the form of "spinning reserve" (generators which are up and running in readiness).
You may also want to watch:
Although the speed of the wind fluctuates greatly, wind farms can only operate over a wind-speed window of something like 8 to 45mph, it should also be noted that the power output from a wind farm decreases in decreased wind speeds.
The coldest days of winter and the hottest days of summer often occur during high pressure (virtually windless) periods, during which there is a demand for electricity for (respectively) heating and cooling, which means an increase in demand over that which would normally be the case.
Most Read
- 1 Jail for thief who stole scrap metal worth hundreds
- 2 'Community campaigns are making an impact, so have your say on rail link'
- 3 Three household waste collection crews suspended
- 4 Where has the Duke of Edinburgh visited in Hertfordshire?
- 5 Have your say on Barkway Road development proposal
- 6 Arrest made after woman verbally abused in alleyway
- 7 Family builds fairy garden for grandchildren during lockdown
- 8 Consultation on East West Rail route opens
- 9 'We have a huge task on our hands, but The Pheasant will fly again'
- 10 What can open on April 12 when lockdown rules ease?
If we are to have a reliable power supply, then the percentage of total capacity represented by wind farms must be virtually equalled by a reserve of maintained and more reliably fuelled generators.
I fail to see the point of wind farms, they are not reliable, they have a large environmental impact, and (apart from the wind they use) they are not "green".
But we now live in an age where the unwanted can be imposed by the unelected, and so the traveller's site imposers, the developers, the wind farmers, the airport expanders and the rest will all get their way without having to worry about such trivia as public opinion or democracy.
M R HUTCHINS
Ackroyd Road
Royston
