Wind Turbine Safety
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). wind turbines have a safe and reliable history. Turbine safety is a concern because some potential dangers are related to the operation of these alternative energy structures. Does this Spark an idea?
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Ice Shedding
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Ice has the potential to form on wind turbine blades. Safety standards against ice formation include spacing turbines apart, placing them in uninhabited locations and coating the blades with ice inhibiting chemicals.
Blade Throws
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Blade throws from wind turbines are virtually nonexistent, according to the DOE. Reasons for this claim have to do with operating experience of turbines, turbine mechanics, sensors and state of the art construction.
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Hearing
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The American and Canadian Wind Energy Association created a report with medical professionals about the sound and health effects of wind turbines. Panelists agreed that wind turbines do not emit unusual noises and they do not cause physiological effects, but annoyance with the sound of turbines is the major problem that people have with them.
Electromagnetic Safety
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Wind turbines produce electromagnetic fields since they produce electricity. Since turbines are spaced in uninhabited areas this reduces the effects of electromagnetic fields. Still, electromagnetic safety standards should be exercised with turbines.
Certification
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According to Texas' State Energy Conservation Office, lack of certification for installing and operating wind turbines impedes the development of wind generation in the United States. Certification is an important part of wind turbine safety and organizations such as the Small Wind Certification Working Group partner with the DOE to help develop industry certification.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit wind turbine in wales image by thomas owen from Fotolia.com
